Activity #2: the spoken word (turn in report)

THEA 2305: Introduction to Theatre & Dance

Activity #2: The Spoken Word

Due:  Sunday, Feb. 28th by 11:59pm. (submit as an attached WORD DOCUMENT in Blackboard) 

Points Possible: 50                                                                                                                             

READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY ~ You should submit the following:  

1) a transcribed dialogue in manuscript format (see Byrd’s Boy examples for script format)

2) a 1-2 pg analysis of a person you have observed in solitude, 

3) a monologue created from the observation

4) Refer to the Student Example provided that provides all three parts of the assignment, along with the Byrd’s Boy script example to see how to write Part 1: Creating Dialogue on the page.

Objective

~To observe, listen and transcribe real human interaction for the purpose of creating engaging dialogue, monologue and characters.

~To define the voice of a character through use of rhythm, vernacular and “musicality”.

~To reveal a character’s point of view on the world, value system and given circumstances.

Description:

This exercise is an exploration in expressing a character’s “voice” by writing dialogue and an original character monologue in writing. You may submit a video of you performing the monologue for 10 bonus points. Please utilize the examples posted for you.

Directions: YOU MUST COMPLETE BOTH PART 1 & PART 2 OF THE EXERCISE

PART 1:  Creating Dialogue

Listen to one real-life, short conversation between two people (12 – 14 exchanges is fine).  Do not let them know that you are observing them—be a fly on the wall.  Script the short exchange as close to the way it happened as you can.  Use punctuation, overlap, interruption, pauses, all of the scripting devices that we will begin to explore over the next few weeks, in order to convey in the written word the way the conversation was spoken.  Create stage directions to establish the where and when of the conversation as well as any other clues as to the way you want the text to come off the page. Try to capture unique individuals in unique circumstances. Steer clear of the mundane. Use the manuscript style from the Byrd’s Boy script as an example in order to write your dialogue.

PART 2: Creating a Monologue (a one-person speech to an imaginary “other” – Complete both parts)

Find an individual to observe for a brief period of time.  Choose someone that engages your imagination.  You might observe someone who is speaking or someone who is deep in thought.  Observe everything about the person that you can, and without judging him/her, try to describe in writing what conclusions you draw about the person.  What is his/her story?  In what or whom does he/she believe? What does he/she want?  What stands in his/her way?  Does he/she have a secret?  This should be a minimum of 1-2 pages of detail. You should write this in the first or third person.

THEN

Imagine a circumstance in which the person you’ve observed must speak what is burbling under the surface.  He/she MUST reveal what is inside, but it may be very difficult for him/her to find the words.  Write the monologue that he/she would speak if she had a deep need to express him or herself.  He/she might be talking to a long lost relative or love.  Perhaps they confront someone.  He or she might even need to stir up a great mass of people.  You decide, and find his/her truest voice for doing so. This monologue should be at least ¾ to 1 page long (double-spaced) but can be longer.