Mercutio, Queen Mab speech (R&J)

[seal!]

I have chosen to perform this monologue for a LAMDA (the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) but i am struggling to get to grips with it, does anyone have any tips for me, on performance techniques etc. thanks. (I'm 17 by the way)

[RevShirls]

You've chosen a tough and particularly long monologue. It's also difficult to understand. It's a real challenge. I always feel that the best performance comes from an actor who really gets into the part and understands (albeit from his/her own perspective) the character. I think it's your own interpretation of this that is important and will show that you have brought your own interpretation and understanding to the character.

This website gives some rehearsal notes about Mercutio's "Queen Mab" speech:

http://www.rsc.org.uk/romeo/learning/mab.html 

[seal!]

this speech is not a definite, if anyone can suggest other good Shakespearean monologues by teenage characters, it would be great.

[MikeMikeMike]

How long does ithave to be? Edmund's first soliloquy in King Lear is really good, and you're the right age. He's a great bad guy.

[chimpy]

I got into drama school a few years ago.....do a speech very close to your own age and character....they want to see your interpretation of that speech.They dont want to see you acting the part of an old man.Also this is a very popular speech which they will see many times,something they havent heard before will make them listen.Get a monologue book or browse through them at your bookshop.If you live around London go to French"s bookshop.They have loads of plays and monologue books you can browse through.When you find one you like,read the whole play to really get a sense of the character.......GOOD LUCK!