I am . . .

Rant
Monologue Assignment
Task:
Working on your own, you will write, edit, rehearse and perform a RANT based on the model of I am
Canadian. Your monologue must be fully prepared (blocked and memorized), but full costuming is not
required. The writing as well as the performance will be evaluated.

Product: The product will include four separate, though related items:
A short history of your character. This back story should be approximately half a page in length and
include a statement about why the character feels they need to rant on the chosen topic.
The script of your monologue which you have written.
Your final presentation of your monologue (Due:________________________) will take place in
class.
Evaluation:
1) Character question will be marked for detail and completion.
(Due:___________________________).
2) The history will be marked for detail and insight into your character
(Due:____________________________).
3) The script will be marked for clarity and components of a rant.
(Due:________________________________)

I AM CANADIAN
Hey
Im not a lumberjack, or a fur trader . . .
and I dont live in an igloo
or eat blubber, or own a dogsled . . .
and I dont know Jimmy, Sally or Suzy from Canada,
although Im certain theyre really, really nice.
I have a Prime Minister, not a President.
I speak english and french, NOT american,
and I pronounce it ABOUT, NOT ABOOT
I can proudly sew my countrys flag on my backpack,
I believe in peace keeping, NOT policing,
DIVERSITY, NOT assimilation,
AND THAT THE BEAVER IS A TRULY PROUD AND NOBLE ANIMAL.
A TOQUE IS A HAT, A CHESTERFIELD IS A COUCH,
AND IT IS PRONOUNCED ZED NOT ZEE, . . . ZED!!!
CANADA IS THE SECOND LARGEST LANDMASS!
THE FIRST NATION OF HOCKEY!
AND THE BEST PART OF NORTH AMERICA!
MY NAME IS JOE!!
AND I AM CANADIAN!!

4) Questions to answer about your character.

1) What is his/her full name?
2) How old is she/he?
3) Does he/she appear handsome, pretty, and ugly? What is the first general impression you get when you see
them.
4) Does he/she have any hobbies?
5) Could he/she have any mental problems?
6) What facial expressions does he/she most frequently use?
7) Does this person like music, and if so what kind of music in particular?
8) What kind of parents does this person have?
9) Does this person have any self-confidence?
10) Is this person clumsy? How clumsy are they?
11) Write a brief

a page history of your character.

5) Your monologue will be marked using the Monologue Rubric.

Voice

/5

voice projection is appropriate for the entire audience to hear

the performance
voice changes to reflect a variety of contrasting emotions (anger,
frustration, sorrow)
voice reflects the characters emotions (ex. sniffling, crying, soft
tone of voice, hesitation . . .)

Characterization

/5

use of stage space reflects characters demeanour

use of props to reflect the character (ex. newspaper, glasses, etc.)
gestures are consistent with character (i.e. nervous character
might have a nervous habit like nail biting)
enthusiasm, exaggeration, actions, emotions depict the character
in an authentic and credible manner

Concentration

/5

remains in character throughout

stays focussed on the character and is not distracted
does not break character or react to the audience
leaves appropriate pause to accommodate for audience laughter
or reaction

Length and Structure

/5

2-4 minutes in length

pace of text delivery and use of pauses brings clarity to the text

Memorization
use of props to cue memory
thorough memorization of text
continuity from beginning to end is evident
text presented with confidence pauses are planned not a result
of memory loss
gestures and non-verbal communication are thoroughly integrated
to give greater meaning and clarity

/5