The Inner Monologue: An Acting Experiment with The Wizard of Iz
What changes in a performance when actors begin listening not only to the words being spoken—but to the thoughts underneath them?
In this informal 35-minute rehearsal and conversation, Michael Shoeman and Janet Berkowitz explore The Inner Monologue, an acting technique designed to help actors develop the thoughts and subtext living beneath a character’s spoken words.
Using a scene from The Wizard of Iz, written by Janet Berkowitz, Michael and Janet conduct a simple experiment.
First, they perform the scene with no preparation.
Next, they slow things down and apply the Inner Monologue technique, exploring what Dorothy and the Wizard might actually be thinking and experiencing underneath the dialogue.
Then they perform the scene one more time.
What changed?
The final portion of the recording becomes a conversation between the two actors about what they noticed—how their listening changed, where unexpected moments emerged, and whether exploring the characters’ unspoken thoughts affected the relationship between them.
The recording is intentionally informal. This isn’t a polished performance or acting demonstration. It’s an opportunity to witness two artists experimenting with a technique in real time through a teleconference rehearsal.
From Rehearsal to Workshop
The Inner Monologue is one of several techniques Michael and Janet will be incorporating into upcoming workshops, including programs at the Awaken Center and with the Mental Health Association in New Jersey.
These workshops use theater not simply as performance, but as a way of exploring listening, relationship, emotional awareness, and compassionate conversation.
Michael and Janet will also perform The Wizard of Iz virtually for the Mental Health Association in New Jersey on September 29.
Your Listening Has Value
This recording is also part of The Living Library Time Bank.
All of the time you spend listening to this recording can be credited as time-bank hours.
In other words, your attention isn’t treated as a passive commodity.
Your time counts.
So watch the first performance. Experience the Inner Monologue exercise with us. Then watch the scene again.
And perhaps ask yourself:
What changed when the actors began listening to what wasn’t being said?
Rogue Counselor 