1. How did you feel about your final monologue? What were you proud of? What was the most challenging aspect? 5 sentences
I feel pretty good about my final monologue. The Outsider is one of my favorite characters that I have created and I wish I got to use her in more stories. I’m proud of how characterized Outsider is, because before this assignment her only really defining traits were being smart, being mean, and being sarcastic. It was challenging to try to ground a fantasy driven character to something more realistic for the monologue. The only thing I feel disappointed by is that I didn’t get the chance to expand on her past, since it would have been long and off topic.
2. What was the most difficult part of your journey in this class? How do you feel about your ability to meet that challenge? 3 sentences
Being completely honest, this class was nothing like I thought it would be. My drama teacher from high school taught us that acting is all about calling upon real emotions and learning from real experience to better connect and portray your character. I was taught to know exactly what your character is feeling in a given scene and how they feel about the other characters, and it was very challenging to try to unlearn that.
3. What words of advice would you offer to a person signing up for this class? 3 sentences
I would tell them to expect repetition and essay type writing. I’m not saying that’s the whole class, far from it, it’s just a fairly prominent aspect of the class that I didn't see coming. I would also tell them that acting isn’t always fun, and that even if you think something is perfect as it is, it probably isn’t.
Emily,
I am so thrilled by your final monologue and the work you did on it. I know it can be challenging to try and create in a different way than you are used to and I feel like you really rose to meet that challenge in the second half of the semester. I am especially pleased to hear that you did not use the Outsider's (amazing and rich) history but instead focused on her needs and wants for this assignment. Truly, that shows a great strength and maturity. Obviously her backstory is amazing and I know her story will continue to grow and develop; all of the wonderful work you are doing with her will show up in other pieces of art. Be patient with it! It is worth it!
I also smiled to read your advice: it is true, acting is not always fun. But like most art, it is better than fun. It is something else larger and more glorious than fun.
I wish you the best of luck with your journey. I will look for your name in the future as you create more beautiful stories in the world. I know I ave not heard the last of the Outsider.