BARRY: Excuse me, Mr Cousineau.
COUSINEAU: You weren’t in class.
BARRY: Yeah. I can’t do it. I have to leave town.
COUSINEAU: Sorry to hear that.
BARRY: Mr. Cousineau. I was just wondering, do you think I was good?
The Truth About Barry — Barry
A hitman desperate for a new life confesses his dark past to an eccentric acting teacher under the guise of an improvisation. The teacher, oblivious to the literal truth, is impressed by the 'emotional honesty' of the performance and agrees to take him on as a student.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Dark Comedy · Source: Barry · Author: Alec Berg · Characters: Barry, Cousineau
About This Scene
This contemporary duologue from the dark comedy series Barry offers a unique audition opportunity for male actors. The scene features Barry, a hitman desperate to change his life, confessing his dark past to an eccentric acting teacher, Cousineau, who remains unaware of the literal truth. This creates dramatic irony and darkly humorous tension, making it ideal for performers showcasing range in a confessional and emotionally charged setting. It's a fantastic choice for actors exploring a character grappling with deep-seated desires for change while trapped by their past.
Character Analysis
Barry is an anti-hero, a contract killer yearning for a new identity and purpose in acting. He is internally conflicted, driven by a desperate need for validation and a genuine desire to escape his violent profession, yet lost on how to achieve it. Cousineau embodies the "authority figure" and "mentor" archetypes, an over-the-top acting guru who prides himself on seeing "truth" in performance. Their dynamic is one of student and unwitting confessor, with Cousineau’s theatricality clashing against Barry’s stark honesty, creating comedic and dramatic potential.
Why This Works for Auditions
This scene is a masterful showcase for actors adept at dark comedy and confessional deliveries, offering multiple performance layers. The dramatic irony in Cousineau's "misinterpretation" provides fantastic opportunities for nuanced reactions and subtle comedic timing. Actors can explore deep emotional vulnerability juxtaposed with the character’s violent past, demonstrating a wide emotional spectrum from desperation to hope. Its contemporary setting and direct, intense dialogue make it particularly effective for self-tapes and agent showcases where an actor needs to make a strong, memorable impression quickly.
Best Suited For
This duologue is best suited for male actors in their 30s-40s who can convincingly portray both vulnerability and a darker, more complex past. It particularly shines for character actors and those embodying "everyman" or "anti-hero" types, as it requires grounded realism despite the outrageous circumstances. Actors who can navigate the delicate balance between dark humor and genuine pathos, while maintaining a desperate and confessional tone, will excel with this material. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to demonstrate a strong command of subtext and emotional depth within a comedic framework.
Performance Tips
When approaching this scene, focus on Barry’s underlying desperation and his genuine desire for acceptance and change. While his confession is shocking, his delivery should be rooted in a raw, almost childlike honesty, rather than calculated manipulation. For Cousineau, lean into the character’s theatricality and pompous self-importance, but ensure his belief in "truth" is earnest, even if misguided. Remember the core dynamic: Barry is revealing his actual life, while Cousineau believes he's witnessing extraordinary acting. Play the truth of your character’s belief system, allowing the dramatic irony to naturally emerge through the contrast.