Crafting Monologues: From Hell’s Kitchen to Bigoli Studios with Tomislav Novakovic

Tomislav Novakovic, known to many simply as “Tom,” brings a richly diverse background to his work as an actor, writer, and director. Born in New York City to Croatian parents, he considers himself a true New Yorker, raised in Hell’s Kitchen, where he first became captivated by the famed Actors Studio located nearby. Although he initially felt intimidated, his passion for great film performances ultimately drove him to pursue acting lessons, inspired by the allure of powerful storytelling on screen.

Tomislav’s creative roots trace back to an early love of writing, which he began at age five, well before his acting career took off. Over time, his work has included scripts for iconic directors such as David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, and Emir Kusturica. This experience eventually led him to develop his original works, establishing himself as a writer-director who is deeply invested in the actor’s craft. While he identifies somewhat more as a writer-director, Tomislav has a profound respect for actors and their unique ability to embody characters. Watching someone create a vibrant character, he explains, is an indescribable thrill and one he finds immensely rewarding to cultivate in his students.

Now teaching at Bigoli Studios, Tomislav leads a monologue workshop every Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 pm to 10:30 pm, welcoming actors of all levels to explore their craft. His sessions focus on individual work, allowing each participant to develop at their own pace. In this workshop, monologues serve as a starting point, with Tomislav frequently interrupting—not to center himself but to offer real-time guidance that helps actors engage more fully in the process. His methods emphasize practical tools that lead to spontaneity and presence, fundamental aspects of authentic acting.

Looking ahead, Tomislav envisions expanding his offerings at Bigoli Studios with a three-month screenwriting course, where participants would work towards completing a screenplay by the end. His goal is to foster a creative environment for writers to hone their skills, mirroring the supportive space he provides for actors. By offering both acting and screenwriting workshops, Tomislav hopes to build a community where artists can explore, experiment, and ultimately realize their creative potential.

From his upbringing in Hell’s Kitchen to his dynamic roles in acting, writing, and directing, Tomislav’s journey has shaped a holistic teaching approach at Bigoli Studios. Through his monologue workshop and future courses, he aims to inspire others to experience the transformative power of storytelling. For those interested in delving deeply into the art of acting and writing, Tomislav’s classes offer an engaging, hands-on approach that brings stories—and the people who tell them—to life. You can register and purchase entries to Tom's workshop beneath. *Photos by Vincent Benz.

Here you can see more of what Bigoli Studios has on offer: