The key to success is not choosing the flashiest piece, but selecting a monologue that feels authentic and preparing it with confidence and professionalism. This guide is designed for middle school and high school actors who want to stand out for the right reasons.

If you are just getting started, Twisted Plays also offers a curated FREE monologue library featuring age-appropriate material written specifically for student performers.

Choosing the Right Monologue: Start with the Right Character

One of the most common mistakes young actors make is choosing monologues written for characters far older than themselves. Many classic and contemporary monologues are written for adults decades older. No matter how talented a student is, portraying a much older character rarely plays to their strengths.

Instead, students should look for characters they can understand and relate to emotionally. They do not need to share the same life experiences, but they should be able to empathize with the character’s feelings, motivations, and conflicts.

• Relate to the character emotionally
• Understand the character’s goals and challenges
• Perform the monologue honestly and naturally

Books like 100 Great Monologues and Spotlight: Solo Scenes for Student Actors are excellent resources for finding material written with student performers in mind.

Understanding the Type of Monologue You’re Performing

Not all monologues serve the same purpose. Understanding what type of monologue you are performing helps guide delivery, pacing, and emotional choices.

Monologues Directed at Another Character

These monologues are spoken to another character, even if that character is not physically present. Often, the speaker wants something such as help, forgiveness, approval, or control.

This emotional need is what propels the speech and gives it urgency.

Soliloquies and Inner Monologues

Other monologues are internal, allowing the character to share thoughts, fears, or realizations. In these pieces, the audience becomes the confidant, and emotional shifts are especially important.

Stand-Alone Monologues and Partner Pieces

Some monologues are written to stand alone rather than being part of a larger play. When selecting one of these, avoid pieces that simply narrate an event.

Look instead for a monologue where the character experiences a clear change or realization. This character arc helps demonstrate range and growth.

For students interested in working with a partner, downloadable collections like Modern Fairy Tale Character Monologues for Two provide engaging, student-friendly options that still allow individual moments to shine.

Preparing to Present Your Monologue

Once the monologue is chosen, preparation becomes just as important as the material itself. You are being observed from the moment you enter the room.

• Stand tall and distribute your weight evenly
• Keep hands away from hair or jewelry
• Make eye contact and take a breath before beginning

Do not rush into the first line. Take a moment to separate yourself from the introduction and step fully into the character. You should already know what just happened before the monologue and why the character is speaking in that moment.

When finished, make it clear you are done. Pause, look away, or step back, then say thank you with confidence.

Using Plays as Monologue Sources

Some of the strongest monologues come directly from plays written for student performers. Collections like The Actor’s Scenebook: Scenes and Monologues from Contemporary Plays offer material rooted in real dramatic structure.

One unique option is the play The Unsinkable Mail: Letters from the Titanic , which is entirely built from individual monologues. Each piece stands on its own, making it ideal for auditions, classroom performance, or competition use.

Final Thoughts: Authenticity Wins

The perfect monologue is not the most dramatic or complicated one. It is the piece the actor understands, believes in, and performs truthfully. When students choose age-appropriate material and present it with confidence and professionalism, their work stands out for all the right reasons.