The Mono Box

Hey!

I decided to write this post about a new-ish company
 which I feel quite literally saved my life. Now this may sound a little extreme, but in all honesty it is true. This company is called The Mono Box . Founded by two lovely ladies who work in the industry Polly Bennett and Joan Iyiola. The Mono Box is a collection of plays donated by industry professionals including Directors and Actors, which has created a sort of mini- library for us Actor lot. The company opened it's doors late last year (hence my new-ish above), I was scheduled to attend the very first day but I unfortunately couldn't make it. Naughty me (slap hand hehe), but I immediately signed up for the second one. I didn't quite know what to expect if I'm honest. On twitter and facebook it was sold as if you were in need of an audition speech you should book a place (it's not a drop in, which I think is a good idea because they are getting very, very popular).
The first time I went Ella Hickson (Eight, Boys), Vanessa Kirby (Great Expectations, Labyrinth) and Helen Sorren were the guest speakers.
When you get there you register and pay your fee (it's not expensive, they need to keep it running, but it's so awesome you won't mind). You can chat for a bit with all the other actors that have come along (as long as you're not late), when the session started we had a introduction from Polly, Joan (who is lovely and has such a kindness about her) was away rehearsing for a play (she was there the second time I went), Polly is so nice and sweet but most importantly fun. I've been to places such as some of the top theatre book shops and I just feel like I can't relax there or ask for help, I don't feel like I can't approach anyone. Here however, everyone makes you feel welcome and at ease. She's what I would call a 'right nutter' haha she told us a few stories about her past that were very much a LOL moment especially an audition she had at NYT years ago.
The Q and A starts, the industry professionals are introduced and then they are asked a few questions by Polly and Joan after which the floor is opened to all us eager eyed budding actors. Both times I have not asked a question. I know sometimes you feel as though you should in these situations but I hate forcing myself to create a question that has not come naturally. I 'd rather ask something if I really had a query, not just for the sake of it. Sometimes from just being silent you can learn a lot from the questions other people ask. Some answers I have known already, others I've whipped out my pen and got note taking because It's a serious sunlight through parting clouds moment. 
If I can remember correctly I think this part lasts roughly an hour after which we are divided into two groups to browse the plays, what I LOVE about it is that 90% of the plays have been marked with a coloured sticky note type thing (you know the really thin ones) showing where a speech is within the play and most of the time it can indicate what gender. They make it clear to look, not just at the speech but sit down and have a read of a few pages to get the feel of it. If you find something that you like hand over the page with the speech and they photocopy it for you and you can take your newly obtained speech home. It would be a good idea to purchase the full play in your own time, you can get them inexpensively on Amazon or Ebay etc. 

I intend to go again because it really has been a blessing for me, I think especially if you have not been to drama school it would be a good idea to go at least twice. Unless you're an avid reader you may not be as likely to have a set mini library  in your 'actor brain' of plays as I assume you would when you train.

To sign up to their next Mono Box session or for general enquires click on their website below and send them and email under contact, or find them on twitter. 

Click us:

The Mono Box

Polly Bennett

The Mono Box Twitter        

The Mono Box Facebook

p.s. My advice would be to go at least twice 1st time to focus on finding a modern speech, the 2nd time to find a classical one.


Mel x