We have the _same taste_ in music?
BEAR (defensive)
What?
IAN (V.O.)
Okay, right off the bat, way too strong.
Obsession — Trivia Night Advice — Obsession
Bear seeks advice from his friend Ian on how to confess his feelings to Nicky. Ian, speaking over the phone, offers unconventional and somewhat questionable dating advice, while also expressing his own concerns about their mutual friend group and trivia night.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: Obsession · Author: Unknown · Characters: BEAR, IAN
About This Scene
This comedic duologue, "Obsession — Trivia Night Advice," presents a lighthearted yet emotionally charged conversation between two friends, Bear and Ian. Bear is seeking urgent dating advice from Ian over the phone, desperate to confess his long-held feelings for their mutual friend, Nicky. The scene skillfully balances elements of friendship, unrequited love, and the often-awkward pursuit of romance, all while incorporating the humorous distraction of an impending trivia night.
Character Analysis
Bear is portrayed as endearingly vulnerable and passionate, clearly struggling to articulate his deep feelings for Nicky after years of friendship. He is a character prone to grand gestures and earnest declarations, which Ian is quick to advise against. Ian, on the other hand, comes across as a well-meaning but somewhat eccentric friend who offers unconventional, and sometimes questionable, dating advice. He also reveals a quirky obsession with trivia night, adding to the scene's comedic tone and highlighting his own priorities within their friend group.
Why This Works for Auditions
This scene is an excellent choice for auditions as it provides ample opportunity for actors to showcase both comedic timing and genuine emotional depth. The rapid-fire dialogue and contrasting character objectives (Bear's romantic desperation versus Ian's pragmatic, trivia-focused advice) create a dynamic and engaging interaction. It allows actors to demonstrate their ability to play off a scene partner (even an unseen one) and navigate the nuances of friendship, unrequited love, and comedic banter within a compact timeframe.
Best Suited For
"Obsession — Trivia Night Advice" is perfectly suited for male actors aged 25-35 looking for contemporary comedic-drama material. It's ideal for those who can portray a blend of vulnerability and awkwardness in the role of Bear, or a quirky and opinionated best friend as Ian. This duologue is particularly effective for self-tape submissions, general practice, and drama school auditions, allowing for a strong two-character showcase.
Performance Tips
For Bear, focus on embodying his earnestness and the underlying anxiety of confessing years of feelings. Let his passion drive his dialogue, but also lean into the humor of his awkwardness and desperation. For Ian, embrace his quirky nature and deliver his advice with a confident, albeit sometimes misguided, tone. Emphasize his almost fanatical devotion to trivia night to heighten the comedic contrast with Bear's romantic woes. Pay close attention to the rhythm and pace of the dialogue, as the quick back-and-forth between the characters is crucial for the scene's comedic impact.