Audition Monologs for Student Actors II: Selections from Contemporary Plays
Grade 8 & Up--A collection of 50 short pieces, mostly a few pages in length, aimed at young actors. The monologs feature characters from 10 years old to their mid 20s and are divided into sections for males and females. The selections are mostly from unpublished plays or workshop pieces, "thus discouraging students from relying upon the already-existing literary or dramatic context of the selections." The entire plot is purposely not given, allowing the actors the freedom to interpret their characters' motivations. Helpful notes set the scene, describe the character speaking, and offer acting suggestions and common pitfalls to avoid. Many of the choices deal with dark, deep issues, although there are some comic ones, and there are a few instances of swearing, generally in keeping with the character's personality. Overall, a good source of lively material that will challenge and stretch budding thespians.Paula J. LaRue, Van Wert Middle School, OHCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.