After teaching more than one generation of young actors, we at Shakespeare For Our Children know that one question will always come up: “When do I get a bigger part?” In turn, we reply with one of the great maxims of the theatre: “There are no small parts, only small actors!” In classes that can have an age range of 5 – 12, it is key that everyone is given a chance to contribute to the production — whether on stage or behind the scenes. And every child knows just how much their contribution is valued.
One of the greatest delights, though, is watching a young performer grow in confidence and technique (in memorizing lines, developing a character, or engaging with fellow actors). When one of our children is at an in-between point — beyond incidental lines, but not yet mature enough for an entire part — we have a stock of monologues that fit the bill. One of these is Philostrate’s introduction to the play-within-a-play in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As “Master of the Revels,” Philostrate must reluctantly announce the Athenian workmen’s absurd melodrama to Duke Theseus. This humorous monologue is only 10 lines, but it has always been a real showstopper — usually because one of our budding leads directly addresses the audience!
Speeches like this provide the perfect transition piece for young actors who are looking for that “bigger part” — giving them a sense of taking centre stage without the pressure of a leading role, but with the promise of things to come.
©2020