Modern Monologues for Teens
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Shaw, Wilde, Ibsen, Chekhov - just a few of the famous playwrights from the late 19th and early 20th century. These writers (and now, in the early 21st century it is safe to add Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett, Lillian Hellman ) are correctly referred to as modern writers. There is a broad spectrum of 'modern', but it should be differentiated from contemporary in that there is a flavour to these pieces which differentiates them from contemporary works. They reflect their time in language, poetry, ideas, cadence.
When you are asked for a modern monologue many times, the term is used as a default for 'not Shakespeare'. The only way to determine if the intention is for an actual modern monologue or something contemporary, is to look at the play being cast. If it is from the modern compliment of plays, then choose something from around the same time period, possibly from the same writer, but do not present an audition monologue from the play being cast.
If the play that is being cast is written by a living, creating writer, then the chances are that the auditors would like you to present a contemporary monologue.
- “You have to go back, I tell you. There's no way out of it.” - Lt. Charles, 'The Adding Machine' (drama, male/female)
- “You silly boy! Why, we have been engaged for the last three months .” - Cecily, 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (comedy, female 16 - 18)
Plays available on our website
For a list of available plays on our website please go to Plays
