Writing A Monologue for Performance

THE WORKSHOP:

This half-day workshop will cover how to write a monologue for both visual and audio performances, by ‘physically’ and effectively bringing a story to life, through the vision and voice of one character/performer. Looking at the power and popularity of the monologue, both for short and full-length scripts/performances, and the developing process from written page to production.

The workshop will involve a variety of writing exercises, as well as examining a number of performed works, including extracts from the highly successful ‘Talking Heads’ series by Alan Bennett. Looking at what makes an engaging story for the monologue medium, and how to effectively develop/structure ideas, with a strongly defined beginning, middle and end. Including how to work on transferring a short story/poem written in the ‘first person’ into a powerful performed monologue for stage/film or audio. Exploring how descriptive information in the story can be successfully developed into dialogue without losing the central premise and dramatic content originally intended in the narrative.

Also, how other characters within the story can be naturally brought to life through the sole voice of the narrator/performer. The differences of writing a monologue for a visual and audio medium will also be considered, looking at the extended possibilities and freedom an audio performance provides. With ‘sound only’ leaving more openings for the listener’s own imagination and ‘painting their own visual picture.’

THE TUTOR:

Tina Jay is an award winning playwright, having won both the International Playscript Competition (judged by Sir Alan Ayckbourn), and the Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing. Her plays have been performed across London, with her most recent play 'Syndrome' performed for a two week run at Tristan Bates Theatre in Covent Garden, receiving 5* reviews and an Offie nomination for 'Best New Play'. A collection of her short stories was also recently performed at The Quad in Derby by actor/director Jack Brett Anderson.

Tina has taught writing courses and workshops at numerous colleges/universities/venues across the East Midlands, and currently teaches Creative Writing Short Courses at Nottingham Trent University. Tina has an MA (Distinction) in TV Scriptwriting, and has recently started her PhD in Creative Writing, at the University of Leicester, for which she is writing a full-length novel.

THE DETAILS:

The course will take place on Saturday 18th January 2025 at Nottingham Central Library in Meeting Room 1. Tickets are non-refundable. Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Host or Publisher Nottingham Writers' Studio