Hefner Monologues. Yup, they need to happen.

[thehefner]

So these past few days I've been thinking very hard on how to finally make THE HEFNER MONOLOGUES a reality. A performance reality, specifically.

I have the stories in raw form, but what I need to do is refine the performances, memorize the exact rhythm and flow of the stories as I'd written them, find what works and what doesn't. But how? How the hell am I gonna do this? Come up with a rough show and assemble a "test audience" of Rudes and the like, who can analyze and help refine it? That might be the first step.

From there, it's been suggested strongly that rather than just go straight into a fully-produced one-man-show, that I take some of my shorter stories to various coffee-house joints. Problem is, trying to find appropriate venues. The problem is that there are no ready-to-go opportunities for storytellers. There's stuff for stand-up comics and musicians, but nothing really for what the Hefner Monologues are. There's pretty much only one place for storytellers of my type, but 1.) they have a strict 7-minute time limit, 2.) they demand the stories fit into their ready-made "theme" of the night, and 3.) their schedule for shows ended back in May, according to their website.

Where would Spaulding Gray, Garrison Keillor, and David Sedaris go? What if there isn't a place ready to go? What if I'm gonna have to kinda make one?

Good possibilities for venues that have come my way include College Perk and Jammin' Java... those places I'll probably have to talk to the managers and show off my stuff beforehand in the hopes of getting a gig. "I run longer than most open-mic shows, but let me show you what I've got." That is, when I actually *have* something to show them. Basically, try to make the rounds through coffeehouse joints doing shorter bits of Monologues, like the Court Story or the Drunk Story.

I'm also gonna tinker the Grandfather Monologue to see if I can't get on THIS AMERICAN LIFE on NPR.

And then, at some point after that... do a full-blown HEFNER MONOLOGUES one-man show.

Not quite a game plan. But possibilities.

Anyone with suggestions and advice or who would like to help this dream of mine become a reality (I need a DIRECTOR!), by all means PLEASE do tell me. I'm in this for a longish haul, so if you're free only after A/C or something, I'm still gonna need it.

Comments

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

They would have been one of my biggest hopes, especially in terms of education, but alas, as the website says, they're closed forever. You're right, they probably woulda been ideal.

[yancentric.livejournal.com]

yeah, but just follow the speakeasy link -- they're still going to be continuing it, I think..

Mark your Calendars
Sept. 12, 2006
Opening Night for our regular
Speakeasy season 06-07!

INTOXICATION:
STORIES ABOUT BEING SWEPT AWAY

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Ah, there we go, ok!

That particular theme could probably work for the drunk story or something. But generally, even thought Speakeasy is the closest thing to perfect for what's readily available, they also are very strict about time limit and incorporating theme. And that's really not for me, long-winded as I am.

But that night? Yeah, that might well be good. Thankee!

[yancentric.livejournal.com]

Well, you'd also meet other people doing what you want to be doing. Some of them are just random locals without much compeling talent, but the nights I've gone, there were the equivalent of storytelling celebrities that most of the regulars were really excited to see there. And there was a very communal, supportive vibe to it as well.. I might go with you if you end up going, as I remember really liking it the last few times I went.

[thehefner.livejournal.com]

Good points. Very good. Right right right. Ok, totally will do. And yeah, come along, I could use the support!