Fortunate: Explore the Emotion of Fortunate

The term “fortunate” refers to an emotional state characterized by feelings of luck, blessing, or unexpected good fortune. This emotion encapsulates the joy and appreciation that comes from experiencing favorable circumstances, whether through events, relationships, or opportunities. The portrayal of being fortunate provides performers a chance to explore themes of gratitude, happiness, and the uplifting aspects of life.

Key aspects of the experience of being fortunate include:

  • Joyful Gratefulness: A heartfelt appreciation for the positive aspects of life, often accompanied by a sense of happiness and contentment.
  • Optimism: A hopeful outlook that accompanies feelings of fortune, leading to positive energy and enthusiasm for the future.
  • Connection to Others: The ability to share good fortune with others often enhances relationships and fosters collaboration, community, and warmth.
  • Empathy and Generosity: Feeling fortunate can lead to a desire to give back to others and share blessings, emphasizing the role of kindness in emotional experiences.
  • Reflection on Past Struggles: Being fortunate often invites reflections on past difficulties, highlighting the significance of the journey taken to reach a point of joy and satisfaction.

Emotional Arc of Fortunate

The experience of feeling fortunate often unfolds through emotional arcs that engage both the performer and the audience. Here are five potential emotional arcs that illustrate the essence of fortune:

  1. Struggle to Triumph: The transition from difficult circumstances to experiencing good fortune creates an uplifting narrative journey that resonates and encourages audiences to appreciate positive change.
  2. Isolated to Connected: The evolution from feelings of isolation or loneliness to sharing one’s fortune with others emphasizes the joy found in relationships and community.
  3. Doubt to Confidence: Moving from self-doubt or insecurity to embracing one’s good fortune showcases personal growth and the empowerment that comes from recognizing one’s blessings.
  4. Grief to Acceptance: The journey of overcoming loss and finding happiness in unforeseen circumstances can yield a mix of emotions, highlighting the bittersweet nature of good fortune following hardship.
  5. Anticipation to Fulfillment: The shift from hopeful anticipation to the realization of dreams emphasizes the joy associated with achieving aspirations and recognizing opportunities.

Recommendations for Choosing Scenes Focused on Fortunate Emotion

Selecting effective scenes that convey a fortunate emotional state is essential for creating lively and uplifting performances. Below is a curated list of recommendations for both theatrical works and films that provide opportunities for showcasing the emotion of being fortunate.

16 Theatre Scenes for Fortunate Performance

  1. “As You Like It” by William Shakespeare (Orlando’s Triumph)
    Orlando’s joyous encounters in the Forest of Arden, especially his interactions with Rosalind, reflect his feelings of fortune, capturing the essence of love blossoming in beautiful circumstances.
  2. “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde (Gwendolen’s Delight)
    Gwendolen’s realization of her love for Jack illustrates the joyful feelings associated with fortune and the giddiness that comes with romantic possibilities.
  3. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare (Hippolyta’s Acceptance)
    Hippolyta’s acceptance of her fate and her relationship with Theseus conveys a sense of joy and fulfillment, emphasizing feelings of good fortune in love and life.
  4. “Fiddler on the Roof” by Joseph Stein and Jerry Bock (Tevye’s Blessings)
    Tevye’s reflections on his family’s fortune and good health showcase the warmth and joy that accompany being grateful for one’s life situation and relationships.
  5. “Two Gentlemen of Verona” by William Shakespeare (Valentine’s Joy)
    Valentine’s experiences in love and friendship, filled with companionship and support, embody the uplifting nature of fortune and connection.
  6. “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams (Tom’s Hope)
    Tom’s dreams of a better life and his desire to provide for his family reflect an optimistic view of fortune and aspirations, highlighting the joy in reaching for one’s dreams.
  7. “Death of a Salesman” by Arthur Miller (Biff’s Realization)
    Biff’s moments of clarity about his future and acceptance of his potential create an emotional landscape of hope and gratitude, displaying fortune as a guiding light.
  8. “The Taming of the Shrew” by William Shakespeare (Katharina’s Awakening)
    Katharina’s evolving perception of love offers insight into her newfound happiness and appreciation, bringing forth the impact of fortunate circumstances in shaping her journey.
  9. “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson (Helen’s Breakthrough)
    Helen’s moment of understanding and connection with Annie illustrates the joy of achieving breakthroughs, revealing the fortuity found in relationships and teaching.
  10. “Boeing-Boeing” by Marc Camoletti (Bernard’s Lucky Situation)
    Bernard’s outrageous luck in managing his relationships with three fiancées leads to comedic chaos. His realization of his fortunate circumstances can evoke joy and highlight the humor in navigating unexpected outcomes.
  11. “Noises Off” by Michael Frayn (The Final Act)
    The ensemble’s collective triumph during the chaotic final act speaks to their shared experience of good fortune in overcoming the odds against producing a successful show, celebrating camaraderie and resilience.
  12. “Wit” by Margaret Edson (Vivian’s Acceptance)
    Vivian’s realization about her relationship with literature and her engagement with her past reflects a newfound appreciation for the beauty of language and the fortune found in intellectual pursuits.
  13. “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder (Emily’s Revelation)
    Emily’s reflection on the beauty of life and her moments of grace highlight the blessings found in ordinary situations, conveying the essence of fortunate realizations about existence.
  14. “The Vagina Monologues” by Eve Ensler (Various Voices)
    The empowering stories within these monologues showcase moments of joy and liberation that exemplify the good fortune of personal expression and connection through shared experiences.
  15. “The Elephant Man” by Bernard Pomerance (John Merrick’s Acceptance)
    Merrick’s acknowledgment of his humanity and the beauty he finds in connection with others reflect a poignant exploration of fortunate experiences despite adversity.
  16. “The Cherry Orchard” by Anton Chekhov (Ranevskaya’s Realization)
    Ranevskaya’s return to her family estate brings moments of joy intertwined with nostalgia, revealing the richness of being fortunate while highlighting the complexities of emotional attachment.

8 Film Monologues for Fortunate Performances

Transitioning to film, numerous impactful monologues effectively showcase the emotion of fortune. Here are eight selections that embody this essence:

  1. “The Pursuit of Happyness” (Chris Gardner’s Determination)
    Chris Gardner’s passionate declaration about his journey to success demonstrates the essence of perseverance and joy that come from recognizing opportunities and overcoming adversity.
  2. “Good Will Hunting” (Sean’s Insight)
    Sean’s heartfelt conversation with Will about love and loss encapsulates the fortunate nature of emotional connections, creating profound reflections on life’s experiences.
  3. “Little Women” (Jo March’s Aspirations)
    Jo’s passionate expressions about her dreams and the joy found in writing allow her to capture the hopeful nature of feeling fortunate while navigating her ambitions.
  4. “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (Joel’s Reflection)
    Joel’s emotional revelation about his love for Clementine highlights the fleeting beauty of relationships and the good fortune associated with shared memories.
  5. “Braveheart” (William Wallace’s Rousing Speech)
    Wallace’s impassioned speech to his troops illustrates the essence of fighting for freedom and the fortune found in loyalty, strength, and companionship.
  6. “The King’s Speech” (King George VI’s Triumph)
    King George’s realization and his efforts to overcome his speech impediment reflect a strong determination and the joy associated with personal victory, encapsulating the essence of being fortunate.
  7. “Mamma Mia!” (Sophie’s Discovery)
    Sophie’s exuberant moments of discovering her identity and family exemplify the joy and fulfillment that comes from understanding her roots, resonating with themes of good fortune throughout the film.
  8. “Finding Neverland” (J.M. Barrie’s Inspiration)
    J.M. Barrie’s reflections on creativity and love highlight the beauty of inspiration and the fortune found in relationships, showcasing the joy of pursuing imaginative endeavors.

5 Audition Pieces for Fortunate-Based Performances

For individuals preparing to showcase the emotion of feeling fortunate in auditions, here are five impactful pieces that convey joy, clarity, and emotional depth:

  1. “The Glass Menagerie” by Tennessee Williams (Tom’s Reflection)
    Tom’s poignant monologue about his family and the yearning for freedom provides a rich opportunity to convey the emotional complexities surrounding feelings of fortune and aspiration.
  2. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare (Theseus’s Speech)
    Theseus’s reflections on love and perspectives highlight the joy and wonder found in relationships, capturing themes of fortune and intimacy.
  3. “Fences” by August Wilson (Troy’s Aspirations)
    Troy’s impassioned conversations about his dreams reveal the emotional weight tied to his pursuit of recognition, making this an ideal piece for showcasing the joy of ambition.
  4. “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson (Annie Sullivan’s Determination)
    Annie’s speech about her mission to teach Helen reflects her unyielding commitment and the blessings found in personal and professional fulfillment.
  5. “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson (Annie Sullivan’s Determination)
    Annie’s passionate dedication to breaking through to Helen Keller perfectly encapsulates the spirit of being fortunate. In her unwavering determination, Annie acknowledges the small victories that come with true perseverance, making it ideal for showcasing the emotional depth associated with being fortunate in the face of challenges.