Shakespearean Monologues for Teens

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Romeo and Juliet Photo

Teenagers Hannah Smith and Alex Whitehead
in Bottle Tree Productions' Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare doesn't have to be difficult or seem to be a foreign language. Shakespeare wrote in modern english, and coined some of the most famous words and phrases in the language. His plays contain iconic characters and phrases which are now used to denote cetain situations and character types. When you are rehearsing your Shakespearean monologue, make sure to take the time to understand (look it up if need to!) what you are actually saying. Read the play. All of Shakespeare's work is in the public domain, and you can find it online. Watch the sentence structure and not the line breaks. Plays written in verse normally are not intended to be spoken in a sing-songy cadance. If you follow the punctuation, you will be able to see a sentence. Say that sentence. Don't fall into the 'fast-talking' trap, either. Speaking it quickly doesn't mean that you understand it - it means that you don't understand how to act it.

Shakespeare's Monologues

“As young as I am, I have observed these three swashers.” - Boy Henry V, III, ii (tragedy, male 15 yrs and under)

“My mistress with a monster is in love” - Puck A Midsummer Night's Dream, III, ii (comedy, male or female, for a strong actor)

“A good persuasion: therefore, hear me, Hermia“- Lysander,'A Midsummer Night's Dream', I, i (comedy, male)

“How happy some o'er other some can be!” - Helena, A Midsummer Night's Dream, I, i (comedy, female, 15 - 23)

“These are the forgeries of jealousy“- Titania,'A Midsummer Night's Dream', II, 1 (comedy, female)

“All hail, great master!” - Ariel The Tempest, I, ii (comedy, male or female, for a strong actor)

“I left no ring with her. What means this lady?” - Viola, Twelfth Night, II, ii (comedy, female, 15 - 23)

Romeo and Juliet Monologues

“But Soft; what light from yonder window breaks?“- Romeo,'Romeo and Juliet', II, ii (tragedy, male)

“O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefor art thou Romeo?“- Juliet,'Romeo and Juliet', II, ii (tragedy, female)

“Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds” - Juliet, 'Romeo and Juliet', III, ii (tragedy, female)

“O, then, I see Queen Mab hath been with you.” - Mercutio, 'Romeo and Juliet', I, iv (tragedy, male)

“Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband?“- Juliet,'Romeo and Juliet', III, ii (tragedy, female)

“The clock struck nine“- Juliet,'Romeo and Juliet', II, v (tragedy, female)

More teen monologues can be found here:

Classical monologues for teens.|Modern monologues for teens.|Contemporary teen monologues.|

Here is David Tennant, doing a beautiful job with Hamlet.