How to Begin Writing Your One Person Show for Performance….

Have you dreamed of creating your own solo show but don’t know where to begin?

First, some basics of storytelling:

     Why do we love stories and why should I create my solo

     performance?

There are infinite forms and variations of the story of our humanity

Only one person can tell your particular story and the world needs it right now

Compelling Solo shows all have certain qualities in common:

1.    Presence (both in writing and in presenting)

2.    Authenticity (both in writing and presenting)

3.    Transformational Arc (movement in which the protagonist is faced with an obstacle or problem and goes on a journey- either internal, external or both) to face the issue that is compelling them. We are all on The Hero’s Journey every day, in every risk we take, challenge we move through, or situation we choose to meet.

4.    Right now, the world needs authentic stories as a model for how to transform ourselves and the way we relate to ourselves, each other and the planet.

5.    When you marry your life experiences with your natural creativity you will uncover your “voice”.

Here are some exercises I have my solo students do to begin their exploration of stories and themes:

1. Write a Letter of Intention(to yourself and the Universe) about your show.
2.  Tell a five minute story of an event that changed your life
3. Begin an inspiration journal and write on the following topics, allowing your own inner knowing to guide you “into” your answers:

*What are my greatest gifts?

*What is my deepest knowing?

*How will I express these qualities in my one person show?

*Begin an ongoing list of qualities that you are currently opening to transform in yourself and your life.

*Write an autobiographical 8 minute monologue(1^st person Storytelling) about an emotionally charged day or event in your life. Something that transformed you;

Choices: The best sex, the weirdest thing that ever happened to me, my first love, in my family…., saying goodbye ~ Begin with one of these topics and let your imagination run free. Speak it out loud into a mirror or a tape-recorder. Allow yourself to connect emotionally to the story as your speaking it. Tell the details and re-connect with how you felt at that time in your life. Get big with it. Allow all emotion to flow…allow your body and energy to connect to your words. Embody the story as you tell it.

Excellent…. A great start…..see how simple it can be!