I have a couple of questions.

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	Topic: I have a couple of questions.
Posted : 01/04/10 / Views : 864 / Replies : 2 /
Jodie.Shanks 58 posts last on: 23/09/11 send private reply	Hi guys, 1) John Godber. What do you think of him (and what do CD's think of him)? I've been told a number of times that he's not very well received by the professionals, but some of his monologues (Nikki's speech in Shakers, for example) are just perfect for me. Is it worth doing them well, even though he is often 'frowned upon'? 2) I'm having a really hard time finding contemporary pieces. I've read the books, I read random and various plays... but things just don't stand out to me. I have enough classical pieces to sink a battle ship as that's the main period I'm cast for... but I'd appreciate any modern advice. 3) Writing your own monologues. I'm a good writer - I wrote all my A-Level scripts (to an A grade standard) and published my own stuff online. But how are your own writings taken by CD's? How about with drama school auditions? If any one can help with these questions, I would be eternally grateful. I'm all in a pickle! - Jodie

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	Reply #1
Posted : 16/02/10
Law.Ballard 64 posts last on: 1 hour send private reply	Hi, Not an expert by any means- Don't know what the 'critics' think of Godber, but think his stuff has been done, not that you shouldn't and i do think if you do it really well it's always worth a go, especially if you enjoy it and it feels right. Drama schools tend to like new plays- within last 10 years and often state this, something they haven't seen or haven't seen much, I only know this having sat in on auditions. Look for film scripts? who do you see on the screen that you relate to and is your age? (be careful not to choose the more obvious parts played as comparison is not always a friend). Own material- a controversial issue! If you're good and people who are not your friends or family agree (they can be bias without necessarily knowing it and this will not be helpful to you) then it's a good idea, just don't say you wrote it and make up a name and say its published! ( seriously a girl at drama school did this and they loved it) Hope this is helpful.

Reply #1

Posted : 16/02/10

Law.Ballard
64 posts
last on: 1 hour
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Hi,
Not an expert by any means-
Don't know what the 'critics' think of Godber, but think his stuff has been done, not that you shouldn't and i do think if you do it really well it's always worth a go, especially if you enjoy it and it feels right.
Drama schools tend to like new plays- within last 10 years and often state this, something they haven't seen or haven't seen much, I only know this having sat in on auditions.
Look for film scripts? who do you see on the screen that you relate to and is your age? (be careful not to choose the more obvious parts played as comparison is not always a friend).
Own material- a controversial issue! If you're good and people who are not your friends or family agree (they can be bias without necessarily knowing it and this will not be helpful to you) then it's a good idea, just don't say you wrote it and make up a name and say its published! ( seriously a girl at drama school did this and they loved it)
Hope this is helpful.

	Reply #2
Posted : 01/04/10
CathyConneff 49 posts last on: 07/02/12 send private reply	Hiya, I love John Godber to death, but I wouldn't dream of doing one in an audition. They are not very well received by casting directors, especially if you are a northern actor as it is something of a cliche and they are REALLY over done. (Especially that one from Shakers!) There must be other pieces out there you can do - have you tried Amanda Whittington, Dennis Kelly, Robert Farquhar or any one of a million playwrites? When I am stuck, I go to The National theatre Bookshop or French's or Foyels and literally sit there reading through new plays until I find something I like. Sometimes it's a full days work and sometimes I find something straight away. Don't do works from unpublished plays. They might be amazing, but casting directors will not appreciate what they view, (regardless of whether it is actually true), as you not being bothered to go and find new material. There are amazing monologues out there, sometimes it's just a bit of a mission to find them!

Reply #2

Posted : 01/04/10

CathyConneff
49 posts
last on: 07/02/12
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Hiya,

I love John Godber to death, but I wouldn't dream of doing one in an audition.

They are not very well received by casting directors, especially if you are a northern actor as it is something of a cliche and they are REALLY over done. (Especially that one from Shakers!)

There must be other pieces out there you can do - have you tried Amanda Whittington, Dennis Kelly, Robert Farquhar or any one of a million playwrites?

When I am stuck, I go to The National theatre Bookshop or French's or Foyels and literally sit there reading through new plays until I find something I like. Sometimes it's a full days work and sometimes I find something straight away.

Don't do works from unpublished plays. They might be amazing, but casting directors will not appreciate what they view, (regardless of whether it is actually true), as you not being bothered to go and find new material.

There are amazing monologues out there, sometimes it's just a bit of a mission to find them!

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