Contemporary Monologues for Young Actors
Original price was: $50.00.$35.00Current price is: $35.00.
54 Original Monologues to Challenge and Excite Young Actors!
Do you find it hard to find quality monologues for kids and teens? Have you noticed most books on the market seem to be a bit outdated, or a little whiny, or simply…well…not very good?
Contemporary Monologues for Young Actors is a new downloadable eBook that offers 54 original monologues by award-winning New York City playwright Douglas M. Parker. These monologues were created specifically for actors and acting students ages 7-14 and for the teachers, directors and acting coaches who work with them.
These monologues feature:
- A broad range of circumstances and emotions: comedic, inspirational, heartfelt, embarrassing, longing
- Emotional arcs and strong outcomes to challenge your actors and keep audiences engaged
- Modern day topics with contemporary language that really relate to kids today
- Convenient organization from “younger” to “older” as the book progresses
- Perfect for auditions, as short performance pieces and for use in the classroom
But enough telling, let’s see some monologues!
Below are two sample monologues written for “younger” actors:
SHARING
Some people think I don’t like sharing, but that isn’t true at all. I love sharing. I mean, what’s not to love about being able to go up to someone and say, “Hey, can I have some of that candy?” And then they give you some! Or, “Can I ride your bike for a while?” And then you get to ride their bike! Sharing is awesome. Sometimes you have to be careful, though. Like if someone comes up to me and says, “Can I have one of your cookies?” Well, if I gave them a cookie, then I might not have any cookies left to share with other people and that would be, like, the opposite of sharing. So I have to say no. Because sharing is really important.
SCOUT
Before we moved here, we had this big dog named Scout. Mom always said he was a total mutt, but I think he was also part collie. And maybe part golden retriever. But he was definitely at least half mutt. Scout was supposed to be the whole family’s dog, but he was really mine. I mean, after school, it was me he would be waiting for. And when anyone threw his ball, I’m the one he always brought it back to. And at night, it was always my bed he slept in. But before we moved here, my Mom found out we weren’t allowed to have any pets, so we had to give him away to my cousins. I don’t really talk about it, but sometimes I dream about Scout. He’s got his ball in his mouth and he’s looking for me. And I’m saying, “Here, Scout. I’m right here.” But he doesn’t hear me, and he can’t see me, and I’m saying, “I’m right here. Scout. I’m right here.” And then, I don’t know, I guess I wake up . . . I don’t know if Scout dreams about me.
Below are two sample monologues written for “older” actors:
VOTE
Hi, my name is Terry Taylor and you should vote for me for class president, because of all the really amazing ideas I have to make all of our lives here at Garfield a better place. Like, OK, for instance, this one idea that I have that there should be a table out in the hallway all the time filled with free cookies and cupcakes and brownies and maybe those amazing frittata bites that they sell at Mr. Chocho’s down on the corner. I mean, if everyone likes frittata bites or even knows what they are. They’re really good. This would improve school morale and also keep everyone’s energy up for better studying.
Another amazing idea I have is to completely get rid of grades, mostly because I think they’re elitist and also because even someone who fails is actually a successful person in their own way. So there’s that.
And finally, I would like to introduce a by-law or something that would make it socially not acceptable for anyone to be called a geek or maybe shoved into a locker or have their lunch money stolen just because they maybe wear glasses or, for instance, are running for class president. So there’s that. Thank you . . . Terry Taylor. Vote for Terry Taylor . . . Thank you.
UNIVERSE
I saw on the Discovery Channel where a long time ago, before the beginning of time, the entire universe was as small as the head of a pin. And everything was inside it. Stars, planets, houses, people, cars – other pins. Everything in the universe. And then one day, this head of a pin just exploded and everything came out at like a million degrees hot and a million miles an hour. And all the stars and planets and people and cars just kept getting bigger and bigger, until they filled up all of space and all of time, just burning and melting and spinning. And as soon as I heard that, I knew that I was just like that pin, and that one day I’m gonna explode too. And when I do, fire and stars and whole worlds will come out of me and they’ll be a million degrees hot and they’ll travel so far and so fast that I’ll never have to come back here again. Not ever . . . Not ever.
Here’s one more free sample from the book:
TALK
My Dad doesn’t talk a lot. Usually just stuff like, “I thought I told you to clean your room.” Or, “If you’re not ready in ten minutes, you’re not going.” And even when he does talk, I never really know what to say back. But one time, I walked into the living room and we have this baby picture of me that’s over in the corner and he was just staring at it and staring at it. And I guess I must have made a noise or something, because he looked over at me and he looked at me kind of funny. And he said, “The day you were born was the day I knew I wasn’t the most important person in the world.” And just that one time in the living room, I knew what to say back, and I said, “I love you too.”
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.
With the purchase of this eBook you’ll receive:
- Instant download of a 60-page PDF eBook containing 54 original, high-quality monologues
- A broad range of emotions and situations to choose from
- Convenient organization from “younger” to “older” as the book progresses
- The ability to print and photocopy as much as you need for personal or classroom use
- A 30-day no-risk guarantee!
List Price: $50.00
L.T.C. –
Surprised & Pleased
As a drama teacher, it’s so refreshing to find a monologue book for my students that gives them a chance to express some emotional depth (or to just be genuinely funny). I’ve so often found that material written for kids is just not that interesting or involving. I bought this book to freshen up my library for the upcoming year without really knowing anything about it and am very pleased.
Schniz –
Strikes a nice balance between goofy fun stuff (angry hamsters
Strikes a nice balance between goofy fun stuff (angry hamsters!) and solid emotional moments (unrequited crushes, reminiscing about a grandparent, etc.). There seems to be a little bit of something for everyone.
Mark Jones –
SOLID MATERIAL.
Started the school year by giving my class a few selections from Contemporary Monologues. It’s not often that I genuinely laugh at material written for this age group or genuinely get a lump in my throat. It’s so rewarding watching my younger actors perform material that doesn’t “write down” to them.
thomas m nickel –
Highly Recommend!
I was really thrilled with this book. I am the proud uncle of two espiring thespians and thought it might help them with audition material. That said, I wasn’t sure if they would be appropriate for young actors so I had it delivered to my apartment to give it a once over. Definitely green lighted. Mr. Parker has a real knack for making these monologues seem not only unique from one another but also seem right for a young adult’s voice. Each also has a certain charmingly wry twist to it that (somewhat akin to David Sedaris’ work) adults too would enjoy. My niece and nephew were really excited to receive this as a gift.
I have two friends who teach high school drama for a living in the St. Louis area and I’ve recommended to them for their classes.
In short, really pleased with this book.
JBS –
Lots of fun for my teenage daughter
My daughter has always had difficulty finding material for auditions and performance, but I could not have been prouder than when I watched her put the audience in hysterics with not one but two of the monologues from this book. Well-written, inventive, age-appropriate.
Whitclem –
A must-buy for young actors
Absolutely fantastic book. This is a must-buy for any drama teacher/coach or anyone purchasing for a young actor.
Debra E –
Five Stars
Great for students!
Amazonian –
The students like it and so do I
Three positive thoughts. 1) Several of my students have mentioned that the language actually sounds like how they speak. If you work with younger actors, you already know that this is not generally the reaction you get. 2) They all seem to be able to find pieces they want to perform. 3) In terms of the writing, style and subject matter, I’m very pleased as well.
R. Champlin –
Really delightful.
There’s so much joy in working with young performers that I feel blessed that I get to do it every working day. For me, this book engages and supports all the energy and enthusiasm and boundless openness that makes my young actors love exploring the possibilities of theater. Filled with short, very varied pieces that let the kids have fun while getting to explore emotions and stories and, hopefully, talents, that they’ve never even thought about. Excellent resource.
E. Grim –
This book is amazing, and I have fallen in love with it.
This book is amazing, and I have fallen in love with it. The author has made these monologue with contemporary language so kids understand and do not have to worry about trying to interrupt the words. It allows them to really focus on the character, the setting, and how to interrupt the scene in different ways. I love how I can have my students change an emotion and watch the scene have a whole new outlook. Thank you for writing this and putting these monologues together all in one book. Believe me, this has saved me time and energy.
Beckie C –
A good mix of monologues
I am teaching a class period of Drama for 8th grade students. Many of my students have no experience in theatre, so these monologues are a perfect jumping off point for them. There are also a few monologues I can give to the few “advanced” (they’ve been in productions) students in the class. I am very pleased with this purchase.
Ferrous –
Great topics that allow students to apply concepts they are …
Using these in my middle school theater classes in order to give them a taste at delivering a monologue. Great topics that allow students to apply concepts they are learning about acting and performance.
D.V. –
… for my 11 year old niece and she has loved learning the monologues
This was a gift for my 11 year old niece and she has loved learning the monologues. All very accessible for the age range indicated and the monologues are full of character.
WL Jones –
Great for beginners
My beginning kids are enjoying the monologues immensely. The kids find them easy to relate to. The monologues seem to be a good choice for those working on monologues for the first time.
Amazon Customer –
Age-appropriate scenarios for acting practice
My 11-year old is enjoying these, and they provide age-appropriate scenarios. The cover was damaged when shipping, but we decided to keep it because my child likes it otherwise.
Gravy Dae –
Contemporary
Definitely contemporary. A good book for any teacher to have on their shelf.
Kristin T –
Great material for young actors
I’m so glad I got this book! I teach voice in musical theater, and my students are always preparing for auditions. Many of these monologues are adorable, very funny, my students love them! Great material for young actors
Big Jim –
Young actress approved
Excellent
Brodie –
Great book.
Great! Has helped me at my Drama school. These pieces are a little short so they won’t suffice for most exams, however they are brilliant for practice. Youngsters would love this!
Joel Spolin –
My daughter has always had difficulty finding material for auditions and performance, but I could not have been prouder than when I watched her put the audience in hysterics with not one but two of the monologues from this book. Well-written, inventive, age-appropriate.
N. Levine –
As a drama teacher, it’s so refreshing to find a monologue book for my students that gives them a chance to express some emotional depth (or to just be genuinely funny). I’ve so often found that material written for kids is just not that interesting or involving. I bought this book to freshen up my library for the upcoming year without really knowing anything about it and am very pleased.
Thomas M Nickel –
I was really thrilled with this book. I am the proud uncle of two aspiring thespians and thought it might help them with audition material. That said, I wasn’t sure if they would be appropriate for young actors so I had it delivered to my apartment to give it a once over. Definitely green lighted. Mr. Parker has a real knack for making these monologues seem not only unique from one another but also seem right for a young adult’s voice. Each also has a certain charmingly wry twist to it that (somewhat akin to David Sedaris’ work) adults too would enjoy. My niece and nephew were really excited to receive this as a gift.
Samuel Bush –
Started the school year by giving my class a few selections from Contemporary Monologues. It’s not often that I genuinely laugh at material written for this age group or genuinely get a lump in my throat. It’s so rewarding watching my younger actors perform material that doesn’t “write down” to them.
cheylouwho –
My students love this! I use this for a musical theater class to help my kids feel more comfortable using their voice. These monologues are my favorite from any other children’s acting books I’ve purchased. They’re really entertaining for the kids to perform and pull my shyest kids out of their shell. My class generally ranges from ages 10-16 and there are appropriate monologues for all of them.