Toronto Monologue Slam - June 23, 2013 (and Future Dates)

Toronto Monologue Slam
Drake Underground - Toronto
June 23, 2013


Check the link for future dates

Last night, I checked out the Toronto Monologue Slam at the Drake Underground. It's a semi-regular showcase for young Toronto acting talent and a hugely entertaining event.

It's the brain child of actor Oluniké Adeliyi (Flashpoint, Saw3D, French Immersion - pictured left), and showcases 11 or 12 actors in a kind of competition. After a first round of monologues, the judges - which include casting and other industry professionals - choose the finalists for the second round, for which the actors perform the same monologue on a theme chosen by the judges.

June's winner was Akosua Amo-Adem, a first time performer at the Slam who set the tone as the first one up with a powerful portrayal of a betrayed wife. With only a few minutes to make an impression, she was able to flesh out a believable portrait and has a nice sense of physical presence on the stage.

If you're an actor, the Monologue Slam is a chance to network and keep your skills sharp during those sometimes long gaps between auditions and performances. Many of the actors wrote their own monologues and it's a chance to test drive your material live and experiment in a supportive environment.

The Drake's Underground was packed and the audience noisily enthusiastic. The talent pool in Toronto runs pretty deep and the monologues offer a range of everything from drama to comedy at an impressive level.

You don't need to be an acting professional to enjoy hearing casting professionals and their critiques; there's real insight into the acting process, what works and what doesn't on stage. It's an entertaining night out and your chance to see the city's up and coming theatre artists.

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