I'd Like to Be More in Control

This compelling duologue, "I'd Like to Be More in Control," plunges into the intricate dynamics of a therapy session between Dr. Berger and his new patient, Conrad. Set in a modern-classic period, this intense drama explores the immediate aftermath of Conrad's release from a psychiatric hospital following a suicide attempt. The scene centers on Conrad's initial reluctance and guardedness, juxtaposed with Dr. Berger's probing, yet disarming, approach as they navigate the sensitive topics of mental health, grief, and family trauma. It establishes the foundational tension and vulnerability inherent in starting a healing journey.

Conrad, a teenager aged 17-18, embodies the role of a vulnerable outsider struggling with immense grief and a desire for emotional control. His reticence and terse responses mask deep-seated pain and a subtle defiance, suggesting a character who feels misunderstood and burdened by the expectations of others. Dr. Berger, in his 40s-50s, is cast as a perceptive and unconventional therapist, demonstrating an ability to cut through superficial answers to reach the core of Conrad's issues. He is initially a bit disheveled, but his manner is ultimately disarming, representing an intellectual yet empathetic presence.

This scene is a powerful choice for auditions due to its raw emotional depth and the clear character arcs presented within a short duration. It provides ample opportunity for actors to showcase nuance in their performance, moving from guardedness to tentative openness for Conrad, and from casual observation to astute psychological insight for Dr. Berger. The intense tone and modern-classic period allow for a grounded, realistic performance, highlighting an actor’s ability to handle complex dialogue and subtext without resorting to melodrama. Its focus on therapy, mental health, and family trauma offers a highly relatable and impactful narrative.

"I'd Like to Be More in Control" is particularly well-suited for drama school auditions, agent showcases, and self-tapes where actors need to demonstrate significant emotional range and gravitas. It's an excellent piece for general practice, allowing actors to hone their skills in active listening and reactive performance. Specifically, it caters to actors seeking roles as a Doctor, a Teenager, or characters described as Vulnerable, Outsider, or Intense, providing a strong showcase for these casting types. The scene's duration of approximately three minutes is ideal for most audition settings.

For Conrad, focus on conveying the weight of his experiences through subtle physical tells and vocal inflections, letting his guardedness slowly chip away rather than dramatically breaking. His terse "Yeahs" should carry layers of unresolved emotion, hinting at the internal conflict. For Dr. Berger, embrace a relaxed, almost nonchalant demeanor initially, which allows his questions to land with greater impact. His seemingly casual approach masks a sharp, observant mind, so avoid appearing cold; instead, project a thoughtful, empathetic intelligence. Both characters should prioritize active listening, making the silences and pauses as meaningful as the dialogue.