Meals For Monologues hosted by Casting Society of America is a fantastic opportunity for actors to showcase themselves in front of Agents and Casting Directors whilst giving back to the community. Patrick Davis Alarcón was signed by Audere Talent Management off the back of Meals For Monologues at Actors Pro Expo North in 2023. In this blog, we ask Patrick about his experience and any wisdom he can share with hopeful actors for future events.

How did you prepare for Meals for Monologues?

“I always have a couple pieces of dialogue memorized. It’s really fun just to say them out loud or to someone. So when I found out I had to perform, I just refreshed myself on the lines and read the play again. I’m constantly working on monologues I have done, for fun.”

What did you perform on the day?

“I did a piece from Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull”. The part where Konstantin is telling Nina how his play failed to please and “Women don’t forgive failure”. A lot of subtext going on in that piece, I’m pleased it was well received.”

Did the panel ask you any questions in the room, and did you get a chance to ask anything in return? 

“The Panel was very nice, and set up a good atmosphere to perform. They gave me constructive feedback and how to adapt to each audition scenario. They also let me tell them a bit of my story, which is always pleasing.”

After your initial meeting at the expo, can you talk us through the next steps that resulted in you being signed by your agent?

“{Jordan} contacted me I think about a week later, asked me to self tape a three page scene for them and sent me a deadline. I booked a slot at a professional self tape studio, did my actor work, asked an actor friend of mine to read with me and sent it in by the deadline.”

What would be your biggest piece of advice for actors who get a slot for Meals 4 Monologues?

“I would suggest always having a classical and contemporary monologue ready to perform, and most importantly pick material that makes you excited to do it in front of others. “We want Drama!”

Were there any other aspects of Actors Pro Expo you attended?

“The whole day I went to all the seminars that I could physically attend, talked to everyone I could, watched others perform and even got to speak with some very important casting directors. Overall it was a great day to be an actor!”

You can pre-register your interest for Meals For Monologues using this link. On 31st January at 10am a link will be sent out to all those registered to book a slot of their choice – once they’re booked, they’re gone, so be quick! You can choose to perform to only one panel – agents or casting directors. The full panel can be seen here.