I was on the set for an independent film working with some pretty talented cats a couple of summers ago. We were all talking between takes about what we were doing in addition to the film. Sadly, my main contribution at that time was "Tony–n-Tina's Wedding".

This one cat says he's doing a two man show called "Monologue Ponies." Basically this dude and his buddy take turns doing monologues to the delight of the audience. That's a cool idea, but only two guys… How can this be taken to the next level?

I began to write myself little notes about how to make this thing exciting and fun and – of course – compelling to watch.

Then one day it came to me… Just bring the actors and writers in and let the magic happen right there.  To raise the stakes – I removed the audition process because anyone can audition well, not everyone can work an audience. Plus the element of surprise is really pretty cool.

This is why the call for artists is done with postcards. You may be the greatest actor in the universe, but until you are paired with your writer – you are just a postcard to me… (not really – but it sounds kind of cool…)

The n.u.f.a.n. ensemble has cast more than a half dozen roles from watching Monodogs. A couple of the people are associates and/or members of n.u.f.a.n.  Solid friendships have resulted from Monodogs and that is the most important element of the program to me…

Paul Barile