The Monique Sweep
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[edit] Use
[edit] Description
A drama term commonly used to describe the act of looking directly into the audience or breaking the fourth wall. However this differs form the conventional breaking as it is performed continuously while in naturalistic performance, the only eye contact with other actors occurs while lines are spoken. The traditional sweep is performed when first entering a performance space as a "sweep" of the audience is demonstrated. This technique is commonly used during constructive feedback as an undesirable comment.
[edit] Accurate Usage
Examples of correct usage as follows:
Slang: “You did a Monique Sweep.”
During Feedback: “Please try not to Monique Sweep next time.”
During Rehearsal: "Please refrain from Monique Sweeping"
Shorthand: "M.S." or "M.S.ing" (not to be confused with PMSing)
[edit] History and Origin
The Monique Sweep originated in a Catholic College in Perth, Western Australia. The actress known only as Monique (first name only used for reasons of privacy) first displayed this technique. It was first used as a slang derogatory comment during class feedback, this term then developed into a commonly acknowledged term which is still used in and around Perth theatres, its origin obscured through constant misquotation.
