Amanda Gorman | Roar | Moth GrandSLAM

Summary

In this humorous and heartfelt monologue, the speaker recounts her experience auditioning for the role of Nala in Broadway's 'The Lion King.' Amidst the competitive atmosphere filled with ambitious children and pushy parents, she initially feels grateful for her supportive mother. However, her mother's transformation into a fierce stage mom is both surprising and comical. Despite her own challenges, including a speech impediment and an auditory processing disorder, she gives it her all during the audition, even resorting to walking on her hands at her mother's suggestion. Ultimately, she doesn't get the part but finds strength in her individuality and the support of her mother, concluding that she is a 'mighty king' in her own right.

Takeaways

• 🎭 The speaker auditioned for the role of Nala in 'The Lion King' on Broadway in New York, amidst a competitive environment with many other girls.
• 🌟 The audition room was filled with ambitious performers and pushy parents, creating an atmosphere of Hollywood glamour mixed with desperation.
• 😈 The speaker humorously describes the other children as 'little demons' and the mothers as 'monster moms', indicating the intense competition.
• 👸 The speaker's mother initially seems supportive and non-pushy, but later shows a fierce protective side when someone undermines her daughter.
• 🤸‍♀️ Despite the competitive environment, the speaker's sister is present not for emotional support but to remind her of the potential for failure.
• 🗣️ The speaker has a speech impediment and auditory processing disorder, which she acknowledges could be a challenge in her audition.
• 🙈 The speaker's mother encourages her to be assertive and even suggests she should mention having already menstruated to appear more mature for the role.
• 🐒 In a moment of desperation to impress the casting director, the speaker walks on her hands out of the audition room, acting like a monkey as a last-ditch effort.
• 💔 The speaker experiences disappointment when she doesn't get a callback, feeling broken by what she thought would be her big break.
• 🌈 Despite the rejection, the speaker's mother reassures her that she will always be Nala in her heart, showing unconditional support.
• 👑 The speaker concludes by affirming her self-worth and talent, stating that she is a 'mighty king' in her own right, regardless of the audition outcome.

Q & A

What was the main character's goal when she walked into the audition room?

The main character's goal was to audition for the role of Nala in a Broadway production of 'The Lion King' in New York.

How did the atmosphere in the audition room affect the main character's perception of the other participants?

The atmosphere was described as smelling of Hollywood and desperation, filled with competitive and pushy individuals, which made the main character feel glad that she and her mother were different from the 'monster mothers' and their 'savage children'.

What was the main character's initial impression of her mother in the context of the audition?

Initially, the main character was glad that her mother was not like the 'crazy, loco stage moms' she saw in the audition room, as her mother encouraged her to 'just have fun and try her best'.

How did the main character's mother's behavior change during the audition process?

The mother's behavior changed dramatically when someone criticized her daughter's performance, leading her to become aggressive and protective, even making nasty comments to other girls.

What advice did the main character's mother give her before meeting the casting director?

The mother advised her daughter to tell the casting director that she had already menstruated, indicating that she was post-pubescent and wouldn't grow taller, which would make her suitable for the role of Nala for a long time.

What was the main character's sister's role in the audition process?

The main character's sister was not there for emotional support but rather to remind her of the potential for failure, pointing out her speech impediment, auditory processing disorder, and physical appearance.

How did the main character feel after performing her audition?

The main character felt excited and hopeful after her audition, despite the unconventional actions she took, such as walking on her hands, at her mother's suggestion.

What was the main character's reaction when her name was not called back for a second audition?

The main character felt broken and disappointed when her name was not called back, as she had considered this her big break.

What comforting words did the main character's mother offer after the audition?

The mother comforted her by saying it was okay and that she had tried her best, and that she would always be Nala in her mother's heart.

How does the main character view her future and success despite not making it to Broadway?

Despite not making it to Broadway, the main character still sees herself as a 'mighty king,' proud and successful in her own right, working on her 'roar' and standing in the spotlight of her own stage.

Outlines

00:00

🎭 Auditioning for Broadway: A Hilarious and Heartfelt Journey

The speaker humorously recounts her experience auditioning for the role of Nala in the Broadway musical 'The Lion King' in Los Angeles. She describes the audition room filled with competitive girls and pushy mothers, contrasting her own supportive and laid-back mother's attitude. Despite her mother's initial calm demeanor, she unexpectedly turns into a fierce advocate, even resorting to aggressive comments towards other girls. The speaker's sister teases her about her speech impediment and appearance but encourages her to be herself. The mother advises the speaker to exaggerate her maturity to secure the role, suggesting she mention having already menstruated to appear older. The speaker ends up humorously following her mother's advice during the audition, even attempting to walk on her hands like a monkey as a last-ditch effort to impress the casting director.

05:02

🎤 From Disappointment to Triumph: The Resilience of a Performer

After the audition, the speaker shares the tense atmosphere as the casting director announces callbacks, which initially does not include her. Despite the disappointment of not being selected, her mother consoles her, affirming that she will always be Nala in her heart. The speaker reflects on her relief at not becoming like the girls who made it to Broadway through ruthless competition. She concludes with a message of resilience and self-assurance, expressing her belief in her own strength and talent, and her determination to succeed on her own terms. She ends on a triumphant note, standing in the spotlight and metaphorically becoming a 'mighty king,' showcasing her growth and confidence as a performer.

Keywords

💡Mighty king

The term 'mighty king' is a metaphorical expression used in the script to represent the ambition and aspiration of the protagonist to achieve greatness, much like a king. It is derived from the lyrics of 'The Lion King' and is used to illustrate the speaker's dream of becoming a successful Broadway performer. The phrase is repeated as a mantra to boost confidence before the audition, emphasizing the central theme of striving for one's dreams.

💡Spotlight

In the context of the script, 'spotlight' refers to the center of attention or the focus of an audience, typically on a stage. It symbolizes the speaker's desire to be recognized and successful in the performing arts. The phrase 'standing in the spotlight' is used to express the dream of being in the center of attention on Broadway, highlighting the theme of seeking fame and validation through performance.

💡Audition

An 'audition' is a live performance by an actor, singer, or dancer to demonstrate their abilities to casting directors for a role in a performance. In the script, the audition is the pivotal event where the speaker attempts to secure a role as Nala in 'The Lion King' on Broadway. It is a critical moment that encapsulates the competitive and high-stakes nature of the entertainment industry.

💡Stage moms

The term 'stage moms' refers to mothers who aggressively push their children into show business and are often portrayed as overly competitive and demanding. In the script, the speaker contrasts her own mother's supportive attitude with the 'monster mothers' present at the audition, highlighting the pressure and craziness that can accompany child performers and their families.

💡Speech impediment

A 'speech impediment' is a disorder or condition that affects a person's ability to speak fluently or clearly. In the script, the speaker mentions having a speech impediment, which adds a layer of personal challenge to her pursuit of a role in a Broadway show. It underscores the theme of overcoming obstacles to achieve one's dreams.

💡Auditory processing disorder

An 'auditory processing disorder' is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing auditory information, which can affect speech and language skills. The speaker's mention of this disorder adds depth to her personal narrative, showing that she faces additional challenges in her pursuit of a career in performing arts, which is central to the theme of resilience and determination.

💡Callback

A 'callback' in the context of auditions is when a performer is asked to return for another audition or to discuss a potential role. In the script, the anticipation of a callback adds tension to the story, as the speaker eagerly awaits the outcome of her audition. The term is integral to the narrative of hope and disappointment that is a common experience in the performing arts.

💡Post-pubescent

The term 'post-pubescent' refers to someone who has passed through puberty. In the script, the speaker's mother advises her to mention being post-pubescent to the casting director to imply that she will maintain a youthful appearance, which is a strategic move to secure a role. This highlights the sometimes extreme measures taken by performers and their families to succeed in the industry.

💡Rafiki

Rafiki is a character from 'The Lion King' known for his wisdom and eccentricities. The speaker's mother jokingly suggests that she could act 'like a monkey' to be cast as Rafiki if the role of Nala doesn't work out. This reflects the humor and desperation that can accompany the audition process, as well as the theme of being willing to adapt and take on any role to achieve one's goals.

💡Melanin

Melanin is the pigment that determines the color of our skin, hair, and eyes. In the script, a mother's comment about 'melanin' being something one cannot learn or apply with makeup reflects the racial dynamics and stereotypes that can be present in casting decisions. This term is used to highlight the theme of identity and representation in the entertainment industry.

Highlights

A young girl's ambition to become a mighty king like no king before, reflecting her dream to play Nala on Broadway.

The vivid description of the audition room filled with 100 other girls, setting the scene for a competitive atmosphere.

The contrast between the girl's self-perception and the aggressive behavior of other children and their 'monster mothers'.

The humorous yet poignant moment when the girl's mother transforms from supportive to fiercely competitive.

The girl's internal conflict between wanting to be genuine and the pressure to perform and impress.

The sister's sarcastic encouragement, highlighting the family's dynamic and the girl's unique appearance.

The mother's extreme advice to the girl, suggesting she should lie about her age and growth to secure the role.

The girl's decision to follow her mother's advice, leading to a comedic and awkward audition moment.

The girl's attempt to showcase her versatility by singing a song from 'The Lion King', despite her nerves.

The dramatic moment when the girl walks on her hands out of the audition room, a literal interpretation of her mother's advice to 'act like a monkey'.

The tension and anticipation as the girl waits with other hopefuls for the callback list, only to be left disappointed.

The mother's comforting words after the audition, reinforcing the girl's self-worth beyond the audition's outcome.

The girl's final realization that her identity and strength come from within, not from external validation.

The closing message of resilience and self-empowerment, as the girl stands proud in the spotlight of her own making.

Transcripts

I'm going to be a mighty king like no king before.

Everybody look left, look right,

everywhere you look I'm standing in the spotlight.

These were the words that I repeated to myself

as I walked into the L.A. audition room

where 100 other girls were trying out to be Nala

on Broadway in New York.

The air smelled of Hollywood and desperation.

You know, it was crammed with these monster mothers

and their savage children.

You have no idea.

These kids are like little demons.

They'll step the foot out to trip you.

There'll be doing pirouettes around just to show off.

Randomly just do a back flip because they can.

Whatever. (audience laughing)

And walking in I was just really glad

that I would never be like that,

and that most of all, my mom would never be

like one of those crazy, loco stage moms.

I walked in and I remember her saying,

"Amanda, don't worry about it.

"Just have fun and try your best."

And I remember, you know, being in the corner,

I have my name on my back, doing my dance moves,

stretching, getting it on,

and a mother walks by and she goes,

"That's cute but it's not amateur tonight."

(audience laughing)

Yes, my mom snaps.

She went, "Hell nah.

"I know that lady didn't say that to my daughter."

The lion of the king grew out.

All of a sudden it was just no lines drawn,

yelling nasty comments at the other girls like,

"Mm-hmm, I'm sure you other white girls didn't get the memo

"but 'Lion King' takes place in Africa.

"You can't learn melanin, honey, okay.

"Can't do makeup for that."

(audience laughing)

I'm in the corner trying to pretend

that my mom isn't my mom.

And my twin sister's there.

She's there not really for emotional support

but just to let me know how much I can fail.

So she comes up to me and she's like, "Yo, Amanda,

"I know you're nervous to like audition

"'cause like you have a speech impediment and everything

"and like an auditory processing disorder

"and you look like the black girl version of Russell Brand.

(audience laughing)

"But just have fun and be yourself."

My mom said, "Move out the way.

"You can have fun when I have my one-way ticket

"to New York City."

"Mom, what about being myself?"

"Being yourself won't get Mommy, I mean Amanda,

"to the 'Lion King'.

"Amanda, come over here.

"There's something you need to learn.

"You need to put yourself out there.

"So when you see the casting director

"tell him you've already menstruated.

"You're post-pubescent.

"You won't grow.

"You'll look nine for forever.

(audience laughing)

"And if that doesn't work out,

"you can always, you know, act like a monkey.

"Walk on your hands or some crap like that

"and they might cast you as Rafiki."

I'm trying to kind of hear what my mom says

but also stay sane,

and I remember closing my eyes

and just feeling I was so close to my dream.

In my head, I saw myself loud and proud on a stage

in front of a crowd proving that a girl

who's black and skinny and geeky and had a speech impediment

could make it to Broadway.

Finally, after a little bit, they call my number.

I walk into the audition room

and in my head I'm reciting the lyrics,

"I'm I'm I'm I'm going to be a mighty king

"like no king before.

"I'm w-working on my roar.

"Trying to be heard but these words don't sound right.

"Could I ever be in the spotlight?"

And I'm there in front of the casting director

and I remember my mom told me so I said, "Yo.

(audience laughing)

"Good news.

"I've already had my period

"so this is as high as I'm going to get.

"I can stay Nala for a really long time,

"if you know what I mean."

I cannot imitate his face.

I'm not going to try it.

And then I tell him, you know,

"I know I just sang that little 'Mighty King' song

"but I have other stuff in me."

♪ Nants ingonyama bagithi baba ♪

And then I heard my mom's voice in my head

telling me to pull out all the stops,

that if worse came to worst,

and this was worst at the moment,

I should, you know, walk on my hands or something

and like act like a monkey.

So I do not lie.

I stepped back

(audience cheering)

and walked on my hands out of the audition room.

(audience laughing)

True, and I was waiting there with the other girls.

Everyone's so tense.

The monster moms are pushing people out the way

so they can hear and they start listing the names

of people who get callbacks and I'm so excited,

and they haven't called my name yet.

And the casting director comes out and says,

"Thank you everyone for coming.

"That is all."

And I remember feeling so broken

by what was supposed to be my big break.

And my mom came over to me and said, "You know, it's okay.

"You tried your best.

"You're always going to be Nala in my heart."

And part of me was so glad to know

that I would never be like one of those girls

who made it to Broadway because I would still make it here.

I'd still make it to now being loud and proud

in front of a crowd on a stage where I know

I am a mighty king, mightier than before.

I might be working on my roar but look left, look right,

here I am tonight in the spotlight.

Thanks. (audience cheering)