Category: MonologueSlam

  • Newcastle MonologueSlam Update

    We are sad to announce that this year’s planned Newcastle MonologueSlam on 05 June 2020 at Northern Stage has been cancelled.

    We feel that to push ahead with the event at this time would be irresponsible.

    This means the auditions and Masterclass have also been cancelled.

    We’re going to put a pause on all MonologueSlam events, until we’re a bit clearer about how we might be able to move forward. After all, MonologueSlam is all about bringing people together, so for the present, we’re going to need to find a safer way to do that!

    We appreciate many of you will be disappointed (the auditions were full already), but I hope you understand that we have to put people’s safety first.

    Keep in touch with us on social media and our mailing list for more updates as things develop.

    Big love from all at team TriForce.

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  • Pick the Perfect Drama School Audition Monologue

    With drama school auditions in full swing, it can be tricky knowing where to start in selecting monologue’s which will showcase your acting skills in their best light.

    As working actors who have experienced drama school auditions themselves and seen thousands of auditions for MonologueSlam, who better to share their monologue suggestions and tips than the TriForce team, Jimmy, Fraser and Minnie.

     

    Classic Monologues

    Jimmy: I would recommend Hamlet or Macbeth, Lago and Titus because I feel they are good for most male actors between 20 – 30 trying to get into drama school and aren’t too hard to relate to.

    Minnie: Phoebe from As You Like It, Emilia’s speech in Othello (Act 4, Scene 3) – it’s a great contemporary feeling speech, focusing on the fact women and men are not so different, and that what is acceptable for the men, is too for women.

    Fraser: Remember there’s more than just Shakespeare! Marlowe, Johnson, Ibsen. Many writers themes and messages speak to a modern audience. Don’t be afraid to shop around as hearing something different is always a joy.

     

    “When performing, don’t think about how they would like you to do it, do your version!”
    Jimmy Akingbola

     

    Contemporary Monologues

    Jimmy: I would recommend any monologues from writers such as Che Walker, Roy Williams, Joe Penhall and Debbie Tucker Green. They are writers that are current and their characters are challenging for the actor. If you do it right you will impress the drama school, plus they have so many plays to choose from, so schools won’t think ‘we have heard this speech millions of times.’

    Minnie: For great female characters, look to modern female playwrights like April de Angelis, Polly Stenham and Chloe Moss. I’d also recommend Duncan Macmillan‘s play ‘Lungs’ for great female monologues.

    Fraser: If you’re looking to make an impression then look at the works of Philip Ridley. Very few writers can convey as much depth and feeling as he does.

    General Do’s and Don’ts

    Jimmy: Don’t pick a piece if it’s so far away from your own age. When performing, don’t think about how they would like you to do it, do your version! That’s what will make you stand out.

    Minnie: Do learn it properly. The writer has written those words and punctuation for a reason. However, don’t beat yourself up if you go wrong in the audition, it’s how you recover from a mistake that matters.

    Don’t just learn the words – its got to sound like it’s the first time anyone has said these words, not like you’re reciting something you’ve learnt. Learn it so well it’s just ingrained in you, and you can think about the feelings behind it, rather than what comes next.

    Fraser: Don’t stare into an imaginary spot behind your audience’s head. Engage your audience (without staring them down!) and be sure to tell a story. Unless it’s a soliloquy, monologues are always written directed at a person. See your audience as that person and give it to them!

    Watch some of the performances from MonologueSlam for inspiration.

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  • TCN in Screenwriting Goldmine Newsletter

    Screenwriting Goldmine’s December newsletter has a piece on TriForce Productions and an interview with Minnie Ayres, COO of TriForce Creative Network and Executive Producer of TriForce Productions’ first programme Sorry, I Didn’t Know.

    Screenwriting Goldmine’s Newsletter

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  • Channel 4 teams up with MonologueSlam!

    We’re very excited to announce that Channel 4 are now officially supporting MonologueSlam UK! Recognising that traditional routes into the industry are becoming more expensive and less accessible, Channel 4 are teaming up with us to find new acting talent across the country.

    Please see the press release below for full details!

    CHANNEL 4 TO PARTNER WITH TRIFORCE CREATIVE NETWORK TO SUPPORT DIVERSE TALENT

    More than 20 actors will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and potentially make their big break into acting

    Thursday 27 October 2016: Channel 4 is partnering with TriForce Creative Network’s  MonologueSlam UK to support new acting talent from all backgrounds.

    The MonologueSlam UK showcase gives actors across the country the chance to perform in front of a panel of industry judges, including the Channel 4 Drama Commissioning Team.  The most promising talent will be invited to the national final on December 12th where Channel 4 will select the top 10 and explore ways to champion their careers with Channel 4 Drama.

    Fraser Ayres, co-founder, TriForce Creative Network, says; “We believe that all talent should be nurtured regardless of a performer’s background or circumstance.  MonologueSlam uncovers the freshest untapped talent, and we’re delighted that Channel 4 is on board to make 2016 our biggest year yet.”

    Ramy El-Bergamy, Channel 4 On Screen Diversity Executive, says;  “Increasing diversity both on screen and off is hugely important to Channel 4 – we’re excited to be partnering with TriForce Creative Network on their MonologueSlam UK programme to tackle the issue of on screen diversity head on. The beauty of MonologueSlam UK is that gender, race, colour, sexuality and social background don’t come into it, it’s purely down to talent and it gives us direct access to a hugely diverse pool of talent.”

    MonologueSlam UK is a nationwide, professional actors’ showcase culminating in a national final in December at Theatre Royal Stratford East. It is the only showcase supported by Spotlight and Equity, and is open to all. After a rigorous audition process for each show, 22 actors are given the opportunity to perform in front of a select audience including the industry panel.

    The overall winner of each regional heat throughout the year then goes on to perform at the national final in December, where the champion is crowned. TriForce has produced a hugely accessible event for all performers, with an ethos of inclusion.

    Previous talent uncovered by the event includes Chizzy Akudolu who went on to star in Holby City as well as Sorry, I Didn’t Know, the comedy panel show produced by TriForce Productions which takes viewers on a tour of black history across the globe.

    Channel 4’s support also allows TriForce to offer travel expenses for performers taking part in the national final for the first time.

    Actors can visit http://monologueslamuk.com/ for more information on how to get involved.

    Please see below for upcoming events:

    MonologueSlam UK at Theatre Royal Stratford East

    Mon 31st October 2016

    C4 judges: Manpreet Dosanjh and Lisa Walters

    MonologueSlam UK at Mercury Theatre, Colchester

    Mon 7th November 2016

    C4 judges: Manpreet Dosanjh and Lisa Walters

    MonologueSlam UK National Final at Theatre Royal Stratford East

    Mon 12th December 2016

    C4 judges: Manpreet Dosanjh and Lisa Walters

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  • Happy New Year!

    A huge Happy New Year to all out network!

    2016 has launched off the starting blocks with lots of opportunities in the first few weeks of the year. Have a look below and see if there’s something for you:

    Get A Grip

    Our initiative with Creative Skillset’s Trainee Finder Programme. We’re searching for behind the camera talent with LESS than two year’s professional experience who are looking to launch their careers in high end TV drama. This talent search is taking us all over the UK with the following opportunities coming up soon:

    Wednesday 3rd February 6.30 – 8.00pm BRISTOL

    We’re holding an open evening in Bristol at the Arnolfini for those interested in finding out more about this programme in the South West. It’s free to attend of course, but we do ask that you register online so we know how many people are coming!

    To register go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/triforce-creative-network-and-creative-skillset-present-get-a-grip-get-ready-for-a-career-behind-tickets-20072721049

    Saturday & Sunday 5th & 6th March MANCHESTER

    We’re holding a Microshorts Workshop in Manchester at Studio Manchester for those who are interested in joining the Trainee Finder programme. The ONLY criteria is that you are interested in working in a behind the camera role in TV drama (i.e. camera operator, sound operative, make up artist, production co-orindator etc…) and have LESS than two year’s professional experience.

    The workshops is free, but places are limited, so you must apply before midnight on 31st January 2016!

    To apply to take part in the MANCHESTER workshop go to: http://competitions.hiive.co.uk/Opportunities/Brief/c2c11732-19e4-454a-828a-a54100d1e5a0#Overview

    Saturday & Sunday 9th & 10th April LEEDS

    We’re holding a Microshorts Workshop in LEEDS at Duke Studios for those who are interested in joining the Trainee Finder programme. The ONLY criteria is that you are interested in working in a behind the camera role in TV drama (i.e. camera operator, sound operative, make up artist, production co-orindator etc…) and have LESS than two year’s professional experience.

    The workshops is free  but places are limited, so you must apply before midnight on 31st January 2016!

    To apply to take part in the LEEDS workshop go to: http://competitions.hiive.co.uk/Opportunities/Brief/68b3f540-644b-42b9-9984-a53a010ecdfd#Overview

    We’ll be holding further Microshorts workshops in London and Bristol to help find more people to take through to Trainee Finder. Keep your eyes on the website for details!

    MonologueSlam UK

    Saturday 16th January LEEDS Auditions

    MonologueSlam is back with a bang with our first event in Leeds on 13th February with Chizzy Akudolu hosting. There’s still a few spaces left for the auditions on Saturday 16th January. To book your place go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/triforce-and-west-yorkshire-playhouse-present-monologueslam-uk-leeds-auditions-spring-2016-tickets-19573915107

    We’ll shortly be announcing the first London and Birmingham auditions of the year so make sure you’re signed up to our mailing list to find out first!

    Make 2016 your year and come and get involved.

     

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  • MonologueSlam Performers in Edinburgh!

    Two talented actors are taking shows that started out on stage at MonologueSlam to Edinburgh this summer.

    Meg Travers, winner of the 1 Minute Round at the Winner’s Edition 2013, is taking her one woman show ‘Lucky Strike’ to The Mash House in Edinburgh from 6th – 30th August. The show began life as her ‘Twix’ monologue at Theatre Royal Stratford East which you can check out on our You Tube channel for a sneak preview.

    So like I said. I’m shit at life. I’m single, unfit, unemployed. But what is it they say?
    Three strikes and you’re out? Well, I think my luck ran out a long time ago. 

    A vivacious, fast-paced comedy that’s full of filth. See this delightfully offensive Gloucester girl and her mucking fess of a life! 

    Her next London preview is at the Hen and Chickens on Wednesday 1st July and tickets are available online: https://www.unrestrictedview.co.uk/lucky-strike/

    If you’re planning a trip to Edinburgh you can book your tickets for Meg’s show here: https://edinburghfestival.list.co.uk/event/482305-lucky-strike/

    @luckystrikeshow

    And Meg’s not the only Slammer to be heading to Scotland this summer. She’s joined by Michael Longhi, who’s taking his self penned one man show, ‘Wild Bill: Sonnet of a Bardsterd’, to The Space @ The Surgeon’s Hall from August 7th – 29th.

    Inspired by his monologue based on Richard III and Golem which he performed at MonologueSlam last year, Michael’s show fuses Shakespeare and film.

    Meet Bill, Wild Bill. Shakespeare, drunkard, imposter, literary terrorist, as he descends into madness. Mentally torn apart by the characters and plays that he created, he roars down any doubt of authorship and we discover that Shakespeare not only penned the plays attributed to him but also a whole other folio of works – everything ever written! Merging his most famous characters with modern day film we discover how years of worship has created a god, a monster, the immortal Shakespeare – Wild Bill.

    You can catch Wild Bill in London on 20th July at Theatre 503: https://theatre503.com/edinburgh-previews/edinburgh-15-wild-bill/

    And if you’re heading to Edinburgh then tickets are available here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/wild-bill-sonnet-of-a-bardsterd

    @WildBilltheBard

     

     

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  • MonologueSlam London Winners

    We had a rather more intimate experience at Theatre Royal Stratford East this month, in studio format on the stage itself while the beautiful Victorian auditorium gets a well earned makeover. With just 125 tickets up for grabs we were sold out several days before the show, and every seat was taken on the night! The industry panel included Jess Jones, Head of Film & TV at Global Artists, Ben Cogan, Casting Director, Jamie Glover, Actor/Director, Louis Hammond CDG, Casting Associate at the Royal  Court, and award winning playwright Roy William OBE.

    Congratulations to Michael Bunani, who hung onto his Youth Round title and also gave us a little reminder of his dancing prowess while accepting his award. Congratulations too, to runner up Jake Swan-Walters, who showed off his rapping skills – all of these Youth Round performers seem to be multi talented!

    Canadian Alexandra Vincent was awarded the 1 Minute Round trophy, with Annabel Lucy taking home the coveted 3 Minute Round award, with a piece written by 2014’s MonologueSlam UK National Champion, Sam Hevicon. The judges also gave Special Mentions to Defending ChampionLarner Wallace Taylor in the 1 Minute Round and Alexander Stutt in the 3 Minute Round. Alexandra Vincent was chosen as Overall Winner. Michael, Alexandra and Annabel will be invited back to defend their respective titles in August 24th show, with Alexandra as Overall Winner also invited to compete in the National Final on December 15th at Theatre Royal Stratford East in London!

    To see details of all our winners click here.

    The evening was hosted by Holby City star, our very own Chizzy Akudolu, ably supported at his MonologueSlam debut by our new DJ Samuel.

    The next London MonologueSlam is on August 24th and is our special LA Edition where the prize is a trip to LA! Auditions will be on July 25th. If you want to get an audition slot you need to sign up to our mailing list  so you find out straight away when audition slots are available to book!

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  • MonologueSlam London Winners – April 2015!

    We had a packed house last night for the latest edition of MonologueSlam UK at our home, Theatre Royal Stratford East. Hosted by the wonderful Chizzy Akudolu, the  industry panel included Madani Younis, Artistic Director – The Bush Theatre, agents Nina Lee from Nina Lee Management and Bill Petrie from The BWH Agency, as well as casting directors Jane Davies, Nicci Topping and Sonia Allam.

    Congratulations to Michael Bunani, who took the Youth Round title and showed off his dancing skills! In the 1 Minute Round,  Larner Wallace Taylor was proclaimed the winner with a Special Mention going to Shaun Cowlishaw.  We were treated to an all guns blazing performance from comedy troupe Shoot From the Hip with audience participation and a Question Game battle, taking on the TriForce team. The special mention for the 3 Minute Round was awarded to Kimberly Har-Simpson who had travelled all the way from Manchester for the show. The winning spot went to four time champion Beth Mullen, who now has a MonologueSlam UK trophy in every room! Beth was also named overall winner which means she goes through to the national final of MonologueSlam UK in London on 14th December, for the chance to win a year’s free membership to Spotlight, not to mention the title of MonologueSlam UK Champion of 2015! Michael, Shaun and Beth will all be invited back to the next London MonologueSlam in the June to defend their titles.

    To see details of all our winners and the full line up, click here.

    We were also very lucky to have the wonderful Rene Byrd entertaining the audience with her beautiful voice in the 2nd half!

    If you are interested in auditioning for the next MonologueSlam you need to sign up to our mailing list for advance notification of auditions – good luck!

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  • MonologueSlam UK Success Stories – Sam Cole

    Another MonologueSlam UK success story!

    Sam Cole took part in the November 2014 MonologueSlam at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. As a result of the show he was signed to Mouthpiece Management. He’s now performing in”Back Down” by Polar Bear and it’s his professional debut!

    The show opened at the REP and you can catch him at The Roundhouse in Camden from 16th – 24th May. You can get tickets here: http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/2015/the-last-word-2015/back-down/

    “Sam Cole surprises the audience with his portrayal of the cheeky and short-fused Tommy, whose role is to antagonise his friends as often as he can. Sam is a young actor, yet showcases a maturity in his acting ability that equalises the other two. Tommy seems to have been written for Sam, as he played it most naturally. His speech delivery was the most real, sincere and riveting.”

    Congratulations Sam!

     

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  • MonologueSlam LDN Winners!

    The first MonologueSlam LDN of 2015 went off with a bang last night! The fabulous industry panel included Rachel Freck, Casting Director, Rachel Sheridan, Casting Director, Hamish Pirie, Associate Director at The Royal Court Theatre, Bob Carlton, Director and Writer, as well as not one, but two agents, with Jackie Williamson from Williamson & Holme and Jennifer Withers from Stevenson Withers. Both agents have taken on clients from MonologueSlam UK in the past and are big supporters!

    Congratulations to Brenock O’Connor, (who recently appeared in Game of Thrones!) who won the Youth Round title, with Michael Bunani receiving a Special Mention from the judges. The 2014 National Champion, Sam Hevicon, showed he’d still got it, taking home the 1 Minute Round trophy, with Alexandra Da Silva receiving a Special Mention. In the 3 Minute Round, Naomi Bullock (who’ll shortly be appearing in the renowned News Revue at The Canal Cafe Theatre), received a Special Mention, and James Corrigan took the title. James was also named Overall Winner, which means he’ll go through to the national final of MonologueSlam UK in London on 14th December, for the chance to win a year’s free membership to Spotlight, not to mention the title of MonologueSlam UK Champion of 2015! Brenock, Sam and James will be invited back to the next MonologueSlam UK to defend their titles.

    To see details of all our winners click here.

    The evening was hosted by our very own Chizzy Akudolu, with You Tube sensation Sherika Sherard performing for the audience, as well as the wonderful improv team, Shoot From the Hip!

    The next MonologueSlam LDN is VERY soon, on 20th April, with auditions taking place in a few weeks time, so don’t forget, if you are interested in auditioning for the next MonologueSlam, wherever you are in the UK, you need to sign up to our mailing list for advance notification of auditions – good luck!

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  • MonologueSlam UK launches in Leeds!

    We’re rapidly taking over the country! TriForce are very pleased to announce that MonologueSlam UK is launching at West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds this spring!

    The first show will be on Friday 10th April, with auditions on Saturday 7th March for adult performers and Friday 6th March for the Youth Round performers. Our Youth Round in Leeds will be for 11-19 year olds, and those over 19 need to apply for the adult round.

    We’ve already confirmed some amazing judges – Kay Magson, Casting Director extraordinaire will be on the panel, alongside Associate Director at the West Yorkshire Playhouse Mark Rosenblatt, as well as Casting Director and Principal of Northern Drama Acting School, Jo Adamson-Parker. We’ll be announcing further judges closer to the date.

    As always, this is a FREE opportunity for actors to do their thing in front of those in the industry with the power to move their careers forward. We make sure we showcase the best of local talent to our industry movers and shakers by auditioning over 120 actors for 20 spots. We’ll also be running our acclaimed Masterclass before the show on the 28th March, where actors will be put through their paces with their chosen monologue by LIPA tutor Laura Carroll. Two performers will also be selected from the Masterclass to take part in the show.

    This event is THE industry showcase for actors, supported by renowned casting directory Spotlight, and offering the winner the chance to take part in the national final at Theatre Royal Stratford East in December 2015, where a year’s subscription to Spotlight will be up for grabs!

    Get Involved!

    If you’d like to get involved, check out the links below for auditions, the Masterclass and to book tickets to watch the show – we’ll be making this a regular event, so if you can’t audition this time, come see the show and start preparing your monologue for the next event!

    Over 19? Click here to book an audition slot.

    Aged 11-19? Email [email protected] to book an audition slot.

    Click here to book the Masterclass

    Click here to book tickets for the show

    Got questions? Want more information? Email [email protected]

     

     

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  • MonologueSlam MCR at Contact!

    It was a huge step up for MonologueSlam Manchester on Monday night, with our first show at Contact! The performers, and our wonderful host Dean Smith took the big stage in their stride, with some fantastic performances! (As well as an impromptu dance off on stage!) The industry panel for the night included Matthew Xia, Associate Artistic Director at The Royal Exchange Theatre, Suzie Henderson, Head of Creative Development at Contact, agent Megan Atkinson from David Daly Associates and TV producer and writer Micheal Jacob.

    Congratulations to Erin Langford, who was one of three classmates from local drama school The Greenroom Drama Academy to take part and who won the Youth Round title, Rosanna Lambe who took home the 1 Minute Round trophy and John Smeathers who won the coveted 3 Minute Round award. The judges also gave Special Mentions to Katherine Lunney in the 1 Minute Round and Morgan Harper Jones in the 3 Minute Round.

    To see details of all our winners click here.

    The evening was hosted by Last Tango in Halifax star, our very own Dean Smith, who will be taking his winning formula to Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 19th March and West Yorkshire Playhouse on 10th April for the next regional MonologueSlam UK events. The audience were also treated to local singers Amy and Lorissa as well as the inimitable stylings of DJ Kellz.

    The next MonologueSlam MCR will be announced shortly – but it won’t be long, so if you think you’re up to the challenge, get working on that monologue!

    And don’t forget, if you are interested in auditioning for the next MonologueSlam, wherever you are in the UK, you need to sign up to our mailing list for advance notification of auditions – good luck!

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    [two_third_last]MonologueSlam UK – Supported by Spotlight[/two_third_last]

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