Do you find it difficult to find quality monologues for young performers?

Here are common issues with other kids’ monologue books:

The characters come off as whiny or bratty
The language feels outdated
The situations are predictable and cliche
The monologues are gender-specific limiting who can perform them
Students have a hard time connecting with the material

How is this book different?

Our goal was to solve these problems by creating a collection that felt fresh, relevant and that kids and teens would absolutely devour.

We spent the last year working with award-winning playwright Kerry Kazmierowizctrimm to meticulously craft this collection to give young performers the quality material they deserve. Kerry is a Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights finalist and his plays are regularly performed off-Broadway.

In this book you’ll find monologues that feature:

Gender-neutral characters to allow ultimate flexibility
Emotional arcs and strong endings to challenge your actors and keep audiences engaged
Characters in relatable settings speaking to a specific person, providing real skills that will help them grow as actors
A broad range of circumstances and emotions
Modern day topics with language that doesn’t talk-down to kids
A variety of length and styles; short, simpler monologues for younger students and longer, deeper monologues for older students
Pieces ideal for class-work, auditions, or performance

Below are four preview monologues from the book:

Preview Monologue #1: A New Chapter

Pat speaks to his/her teddy bear, Barry (Barry can either be unseen or an actual teddy bear held by Pat).

PAT

Listen, Barry, you’ve been great. Really, just the best. But we both knew this couldn’t last forever. Don’t think of this as the end, but as the start of a new chapter. Being put on sale will be the best thing that ever happened to you. Some little kid’s gonna come to Mom’s yard sale, see you sitting there, and realize you’re the teddy bear he’s always needed.

(after a moment)

Don’t look at me like that, Barry. Please. I know you think I’m doing this so I can buy the latest phone, but it’s not that simple. I’m not a little kid anymore. I’m a big kid who needs big toys. Like a new phone. So what if you were my first real friend? So what if you cuddled me to sleep every night? So what if you’re the best teddy bear a kid could ask for? None of that matters. Cuz I…I…

(unable to go through with it)

I can’t do this! I can’t lose you! I’ll sell my bed if I have to, but not you, Barry! Never you!

Preview Monologue #2: Grandpa

Kade talks to his/her grandfather.

KADE

Hi, Grandpa. Sorry it’s been a while, but it’s been raining a lot. I’m glad I finally got to visit, cuz there’s something I need to talk about. And I just, I can’t talk about it with anyone at home. Jason’s my little brother, he looks up to me, you know? And Mom and Dad are who I need to talk about, so I can’t exactly tell them how I feel. But you? I know you’ll listen.

(takes a deep breath)

Mom and Dad have been fighting. A lot, even for them. For weeks now. They don’t do it in front of me and Jason. At dinner, it’s silent. Like, completely silent. Then they get up, wash the dishes, and go to their room. As soon as the door closes, it starts. The yelling. The crying. The anger. So, so much anger. And even though it’s not in front of us, Jason and I hear it. And feel it. Like all that anger has filled the house. And we’re drowning in it…Last night, Jason asked me if they’re gonna split up. I didn’t know what to say. Part of me is terrified that they will. But another part me thinks that it’s the best thing that could happen. Cuz then it would be over. The fighting would stop. The anger would be gone. And we could breathe again. Finally breathe.

(after a moment)

Thanks for listening, Grandpa. I know you can’t offer any advice, but it feels good to actually talk about it, you know? Oh! I almost forgot – I brought you some more flowers. Daisies this time. I know I usually bring lilies, since those are the only flowers Mom knows for sure you liked, but I dunno, I thought a change might be nice. I hope you like them.

(Kade places the flowers down on his/her grandfather’s grave.)

I should go. But now that the rain’s stopped, I’ll be back soon. I promise. Bye, Grandpa.

With the purchase of this book you’ll receive:

Instant download of the PDF eBook with 52 high-quality monologues you can start using in your classes today
An unlimited print and copy license for your personal classroom use
A 30-day no-risk guarantee

Preview Monologue #3: Middle Child

Harper stands outside, waiting to be picked up from karate class.

HARPER

It’s fine, it’s totally fine. So what if Dad’s late? He probably just got stuck in traffic and will be here any minute to pick me up. Yeah, yeah, any minute. I mean, karate class only got out ten minutes ago, so it’s not like I’ve been abandoned or anything. It’s not like he’s just forgotten about me. It’s not like it’s totally easy to forget that I, the middle child, even exist, until it’s midnight and Dad’s like, “I feel like I forgot something. Was it to pick up milk? Or the dry cleaning? NOPE! It was my CHILD, Harper!” Oh, who am I kidding?! That’s exactly what happened! I have been completely forgotten! They’ll move on, and I’ll never see my family ever again!!!

Harper notices something.

Dad? Hey! I didn’t see you parked over there. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.

Preview Monologue #4: Gold

Eden comes in to talk to his/her younger sister, Rowan.

EDEN

Hey, Rowan? I, uh, I wanted to talk to you for a sec, if that’s cool. I, um, I know you’re disappointed. You worked so hard – just, so hard – preparing for that spelling bee, how can you not be bummed? But there’s, you know, there’s no shame in third. That’s bronze. That still means you, um…what’s the word?…placed. Top three.

(realizes he/she’s gotten off-track)

But that’s not what I wanted to say. Sorry, I’m not very good at, um, at this sort of thing.

(takes a deep breath)

What I wanted to say is, you may be my little sister, but you…you’ve done things I can’t even imagine. I’m not good at speaking in front of, well, anyone. But there you were, competing in front of the whole school. I couldn’t believe it. I just, I was so scared for you. But more than that, I was…impressed. So impressed by you. It was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. And the bravest. You were braver than I’ve ever been. And in my book, that’s…well, that’s gold.

Download your copy today.

It’s always our goal to provide drama teachers the resources they need at a price they can afford.

With the Purchase of this eBook you’ll receive:

Instant download of a 58-page PDF eBook containing 52 original, high-quality monologues
A broad range of emotions, lengths and situations to choose from
Themes and characters that your students will connect with
The ability to print and photocopy as much as you need for personal or classroom use
A 30-day no-risk guarantee!

List Price: ~~$39.95~~

Get it now for only $35

At Beat by Beat, we’re passionate about raising the bar on the quality of resources that are available for young actors…and you’ll find this book to be no exception. Over 30,000 people a month visit the Beat by Beat website, discovering tools and resources which have brought joy to teachers and creativity to young actors around the world.

You have our personal guarantee that if you aren’t completely satisfied, if you don’t love this monologue book and use it all the time, call or email us within 30 days and we’ll refund every penny immediately.

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Contemporary Monologues for Kids & Teens