Dedication and Acknowledgements

Foreword by David Mamet

Introduction

Preface: Working for Your Own Satisfaction
In My Control • Not In My Control

How to Use This Book
Directing and Acting • Auditioning • Work with Other
Actors • Choosing Your First Monologue

PART 1: DIRECTING YOUR MONOLOGUE

Chapter 1: Story, Suspense, and Structure
Telling the Story • Suspense • Structure:
Beginning, Middle, Climax & End
Checklist for Story, Suspense, and Structure

Chapter 2: Making Choices
Chunks • Descriptions • Sizes and Speeds
Beginning, Middle, Climax & End
Checklist for Making Choices

Chapter 3: Staging Options
Focus • The Square: Your Stage • Focus • Placement
Movement Options • Gesture • Budgeting
Staging Guidelines
Checklist for Staging Options

Chapter 4: Staging Your Monologue
Planning Your Staging • The First Moment: Countdown
Rehearsing Your Staging
Checklist for Staging Your Monologue

Chapter 5: Acting in the Moment
The Action • The As If • Let the Lines Mean Anything
More About Staying in the Moment • The Last Moment
Checklist for Acting in the Moment

Chapter 6: Who Do I Act With?
Acting with Your Focus Up
Checklist for Who Do I Act With?

Chapter 7: Acting Your Staging
Acting Your Staging • The Long Run of Your
Monologue • Troubleshooting • Adjusting the Size
Checklist for Acting Your Staging

PART 3: AUDITIONING WITH YOUR MONOLOGUE

Chapter 8: Entrances and Exits
Positive Entrances and Exits • Rehearse Your Entrance
Rehearse Your Exit • The End of the Audition
Checklist for Entrances and Exits

Chapter 9: The Audition
Giving Yourself Feedback • Audition Exercises
Taking Direction
Checklist for The Audition

Afterword: A Positive and Habitual Approach to Auditioning and Working

Resources

Recommended Reading