Originating a Role: The Thrilling Burden of Being First
As an actor, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of being the first to bring a character to life on stage. I’ve had the privilege of originating a few roles in my career, and the most recent was at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. There, I had the honor of embodying the character of Aphrodite in the new musical “Woven” – a story inspired by Homer’s “The Odyssey” that follows seven women as they uncover the truth about their intertwined lives.
Stepping into a role that’s never been performed before can be both exhilarating and daunting. Unlike with pre-existing material, where the blocking and intentions are often set in stone, new works offer a blank canvas. As the first actor to portray the character, I had the freedom to provide input during the creative process and discover the most compelling way to present this figure on stage. It’s a thrilling burden, to be sure, but one that’s incredibly rewarding.
Preparation: Diving into the Unknown
When approaching an original role, the steps are largely the same as preparing for any other part. But with a brand-new character, the process requires a bit more legwork and flexibility. If the writers have penned any other works, familiarizing myself with their style and voice was a great starting point. And since my Aphrodite was based on the legendary Greek goddess, I dove headfirst into research on Greek mythology, using that foundation to imagine how this divine figure would exist in the modern-day setting of “Woven.”
One thing I’ve found invaluable when tackling an original role is physical exploration. Getting into the body of the character can be an excellent way to truly understand who they are. So I spent time experimenting with Aphrodite’s movement, posture, and mannerisms, letting that inform my interpretation of the text.
Of course, with a new work, I also had countless questions that needed answering. I made sure to bring those curiosities into the rehearsal room, collaborating with the creative team to explore the character’s relationships, status, and the world they inhabit. The more familiar I became with Aphrodite, the more freedom I had to play and make bold choices.
Embracing the Unknown: Trusting Your Instincts
One of the biggest differences between originating a role and taking on a pre-existing character is the lack of a safety net. With new material, there are no cast recordings or “how-to” tutorials to reference. It can feel unnerving, with the endless possibilities ahead of you. But therein lies the excitement.
As the first actor to bring this character to life, I had to trust my instincts and make bold, creative choices. I embraced the freedom to explore uncharted territory, knowing that I, alongside the writers and director, were shaping this role from the ground up. It was a thrilling, if somewhat nerve-wracking, process – but one that ultimately allowed me to imbue Aphrodite with a sense of authenticity and originality.
Of course, not every idea was a winner. But the collaborative nature of originating a role meant I could work closely with the creative team to refine and hone the most effective choices. It was a true partnership, with all of us committed to bringing this new story to life in the most compelling way possible.
Facing the Audience: Embracing the Unexpected
When it finally came time to perform “Woven” in front of an audience at the Edinburgh Fringe, I’ll admit, I felt a bit of trepidation. After all, this was the first time anyone had ever seen these characters, this story, this world. There was no pre-existing framework for the audience to latch onto – it was all brand new.
But as soon as the lights went up, any hesitation I felt melted away. The energy in that historic Fringe venue was electric, the audience buzzing with anticipation. And as we dove into the show, I found myself embracing the unexpected reactions, the unpredictable moments that can only come with a world premiere. It was thrilling to witness the audience discovering this story and these characters for the very first time, right alongside us.
In the end, originating a role is an incredibly rewarding experience, one that allows you to leave an indelible mark on a work of art. Sure, there are challenges – the lack of a safety net, the pressure of being the first to bring a character to life. But for me, the payoff is worth it. To be trusted with shaping a new story, a new voice, a new vision? That’s the kind of opportunity that dreams are made of.
Monologue Mastery: Techniques for Electrifying Performances
Now, you may be wondering, “That’s all well and good, but what does originating a role have to do with mastering the musical theater monologue?” Well, my friend, the two are more interconnected than you might think.
After all, the monologue – whether it’s from a new work or a classic play – is its own form of origination. Each time an actor steps up to the plate and brings those words to life, they’re leaving their unique mark on the material. And just like with an original role, the key to a captivating monologue performance is embracing the unknown and trusting your instincts.
So, what are the secrets to acing the musical theater monologue? Here are a few of my top tips:
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Dive Deep into Research: Just as I did with Aphrodite, immerse yourself in the world of the character and the story. Uncover the historical, cultural, or literary context that informs the monologue, and use that knowledge to infuse your performance with authenticity and depth.
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Experiment with Physicality: Get out of your head and into your body. Explore different ways of inhabiting the character, from their posture and gait to their facial expressions and gestures. This embodied approach can unlock unexpected dimensions to your performance.
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Embrace the Uncertainties: As with originating a role, there’s no one “right” way to approach a monologue. Lean into the ambiguities and make bold, imaginative choices. The more you trust your instincts, the more captivating your performance will be.
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Connect with Your Scene Partners: Even if you’re the only one speaking, you’re never truly alone on stage. Engage with your imagined scene partners, whether they’re visible or not, and let that interplay fuel your monologue.
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Find the Emotional Core: At the heart of every great monologue is a deeply felt, human experience. Tap into the universal emotions that drive the character – the fears, the desires, the passions – and let that emotional truth shine through in your performance.
Remember, the musical theater monologue is your chance to make your mark, to leave an indelible impression on the audience. So embrace the unknown, trust your instincts, and let your creativity soar. Who knows – you just might end up originating a role of your own someday.
And if you’re ever in the mood for a little inspiration, be sure to visit the Musical Theater Center – a place where dreams of the stage come to life, one electrifying performance at a time.
