Monologue Books: why use them and how to pick good ones
Monologue books and anthologies are an excellent way to go when researching potential monologues to use in competition and audition. They enable you to quickly peruse a large number of monologues written by a diverse set of playwrights. With that said, take care when selecting monologue collections.
When looking for monologue books, be sure to:
Once you have identified some monologues within a collection that you believe may work for you, be sure to read the full play the monologue is from where applicable. As a general rule, though stand alone monologues have their merit, if you can find monologues that are from a a play you will have more context to prepare as an actor.
The 7 monologue books recommended here, and featuring monologues by playwright Gabriel Davis, were edited by the following theatre professionals:
The monologue anthologies that include Gabriel Davis' monologues were produced by the following publishers:
When looking for monologue books, be sure to:
- Look for monologue anthologies edited by accomplished theatre professionals.
- Check that the monologue collections are released by established theatrical publishers.
Once you have identified some monologues within a collection that you believe may work for you, be sure to read the full play the monologue is from where applicable. As a general rule, though stand alone monologues have their merit, if you can find monologues that are from a a play you will have more context to prepare as an actor.
The 7 monologue books recommended here, and featuring monologues by playwright Gabriel Davis, were edited by the following theatre professionals:
- Lawrence Harbison. For over thirty years, Lawrence Harbison was in charge of new play acquisition for Samuel French, Inc., during which time he was responsible for the publication of hundreds of plays, by new playwrights such as Jane Martin, Don Nigro, Tina Howe, Theresa Rebeck, William Mastrosimone, Charles Fuller and Ken Ludwig among many others; and the acquisition of musicals such as Smoke on the Mountain, A…My Name Is Alice and Little Shop of Horrors. He has edited over 100 anthologies for Smith and Kraus, Inc., for whom he edited annual anthologies of ten-minute plays and monologues for men and for women, and for several years edited their annual New Playwrights and Women Playwrights anthologies; and for Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, for whom he has edited several monologue, full length, 10-minute and 5-minute play anthologies.
- Irene Ziegler is an actor, author, voice over talent, and playwright. Her film credits include Safe Haven, Premonition, and The Runaway Jury, among others. She has had recurring roles in Mr. Mercedes, The Red Road, and American Gothic, and featured or guest starring roles in The Walking Dead, Three Rivers, and Satisfaction. Irene has also co-edited eight collections of monologues, published by Smith & Kraus. Her play, Rules of the Lake, was a recipient of the Mary Roberts Rinehart Award in Drama. Her plays have been produced internationally.
- Larry Silverberg is one of the world's foremost authorities on the Sanford Meisner technique of acting and is the author of the internationally acclaimed four volume series, "The Sanford Meisner Approach: An Actor's Workbook," his book, "Loving to Audition," his two books for teen actors, "The 7 Simple Truths of Acting for the Teen Actor," and "Meisner for Teens: A Life of True Acting" and his most recent published book, "True Acting Tips." In addition to being one of the most published acting coaches in the world today and an award-winning actor/director, Larry is also the Master Teacher of Acting and Full Professor at renowned Shenandoah University Conservatory of the Arts.
- Gerald Lee Ratliff is the award-winning author of numerous articles, essays and textbooks in performance studies and classroom teaching strategies. He has served as President of the Speech and Theatre Association of New Jersey, Eastern Communication Association, Theta Alpha Phi and the Association for Communication Administration. He has also served on advisory and editorial boards of the American Council of Academic Deans, International Arts Association, National Communication Association, Society of Educators and Scholars and Eastern Communication Association. He was awarded the “Distinguished Service Award” by both the Eastern Communication Association and Theta Alpha Phi.
The monologue anthologies that include Gabriel Davis' monologues were produced by the following publishers:
- Smith and Kraus Publishers, founded in 1990 by Marisa Smith and Eric Kraus, is the premier U. S. publisher of contemporary trade theater books. Currently S&K boasts over 700 titles in print and many hundreds of e-books available on all major e-book platforms. S&K is the most trusted source for books about theater—from collections of monologues and scenes for use in class or at auditions, to contemporary and classic play collections, to acting technique and career resource titles.
- Applause Acting Series published by Rowman & Littlefield. Rowman and Littlefield is one of America’s largest book distributors: National Book Network (NBN). Based near Washington, DC with offices throughout the US and UK, Rowman and Littlefield have publishing partnerships with a range of world-leading authorities, including: American Association for State and Local History, The American Foreign Policy Council, Smithsonian Institution, The Center for Strategic and International Studies, Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, Fortress Press, Lehigh University Press, Lord Cultural Resources, and the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Rowman and Littlefield is a leading independent publisher with strengths in: Academic Publishing in the Humanities and Social Sciences, Publishing Government and Official Data, Educational Publishing. R&L publish simultaneously in print and e-book editions.
- Meriwether Publishing was founded in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois, by television writer-producer Arthur L. Zapel. Pioneer Drama Service, another family owned and operated Colorado publisher, acquired Meriwether Publishing in 2014. Pioneer Drama is the premier US publisher devoted solely to the educational, children’s, and community theatre markets. Meriwether's fine collection of theatre and forensics textbooks perfectly complements the more than 1200 play scripts published by Pioneer Drama. Meriwether Publishing publishes "how-to" books and instructional videos for stage, television, and film acting students, aspiring theatre professionals, and professional performers. Several Meriwether Publishing theatre arts books are widely accepted as classroom textbooks or supplements for acting and drama classes from middle school to college level throughout the United States and Canada. Other books include anthologies of plays, short scene and monologue books, and reference books on stagecraft, theatre games, directing, costuming, auditioning, mime, and playwriting. Books by Meriwether Publishing are sold worldwide directly or through foreign distributors in the UK, Europe, and Australia.
- London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). A world-leading drama school and examinations provider, training and inspiring exceptional artists for over 160 years. London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) is a drama school located in Hammersmith, London. It is the oldest specialist drama school in the British Isles and a founding member of the Federation of Drama Schools. Academy award winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch has served as President of LAMDA's Board of Trustees. LAMDA's graduates work regularly at the Royal National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's Globe, and the theatres of London's West End and Hollywood, as well as on the BBC, HBO, and Broadway. As of July 2022, LAMDA alumni have received 5 Academy Awards (out of 13 Oscar nominations), 9 SAG Awards, 13 Tonys, 15 Emmys, 19 Golden Globes, 21 BAFTAs, and 39 Olivier Awards. LAMDA Examinations in the fields of speech, drama, communication, and performance are taken by external students and are recognised by Ofqual, the regulator in England, and its counterparts in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Monologue Book 1 (of 7): The Best Men's Stage Monologues 2020
This monologue collection features 50 contemporary male monologues from plays from all genres for all audition needs. The Best Men's Stage Monologues 2020 features monologues by Gabriel Davis including Fact Checker from Davis' play Goodbye Charles.
This is Smith & Kraus' 30th Anniversary edition of select monologues for men for a range of ages from 12 to over 70. The age of the character is indicated in each monologue, but you will find that many may be done by actors of different ages. Some are comic, some dramatic. Some are rather short, some rather long. All represent the best in contemporary playwriting.
Monologues include those by John McEneny, Philip Dawkins, Anne Johnstonbrown, John Levine, David-Matthew Barnes, Tom Gough, Laura Hirschberg, Monte Monteleagre, Gabriel Davis, Peter Fox, Joseph Paquette, Barbara Blatner, Michael Hilton, Joe Calarco, T.J. Walsh, Elayne Heilveil, Adam Szymkowicz, Jason Odell Williams, Arthur Boatin, Andrew Heinze, Carol Lashof, David Schwingle, Susan Soon He Stanton, Melissa Bell, David Simpatico, Jackie Martin, Gary Powers, S.M. Dale, Re McGregor, Natalie Symons, Peter Langman.
This is Smith & Kraus' 30th Anniversary edition of select monologues for men for a range of ages from 12 to over 70. The age of the character is indicated in each monologue, but you will find that many may be done by actors of different ages. Some are comic, some dramatic. Some are rather short, some rather long. All represent the best in contemporary playwriting.
Monologues include those by John McEneny, Philip Dawkins, Anne Johnstonbrown, John Levine, David-Matthew Barnes, Tom Gough, Laura Hirschberg, Monte Monteleagre, Gabriel Davis, Peter Fox, Joseph Paquette, Barbara Blatner, Michael Hilton, Joe Calarco, T.J. Walsh, Elayne Heilveil, Adam Szymkowicz, Jason Odell Williams, Arthur Boatin, Andrew Heinze, Carol Lashof, David Schwingle, Susan Soon He Stanton, Melissa Bell, David Simpatico, Jackie Martin, Gary Powers, S.M. Dale, Re McGregor, Natalie Symons, Peter Langman.
Monologue Book 2 (of 7): The Best Women's Stage Monologues 2020
This monologue collection features 50 contemporary female monologues from plays from all genres for all audition needs. The Best Women's Stage Monologues 2020 features monologues by Gabriel Davis including New Year's Wish from Davis' play Hello, Goodbye, Peace.
This is Smith & Kraus' 30th Anniversary edition of an exciting collection of monologues for women, most of which are from plays for ages 13 to 70+ and some ageless too! The age of the character is indicated in each monologue. All represent the best in contemporary playwriting.
Included are monologues by June Guralnick, Christopher Woods, Susan Eva Haar, Jonathan Josephson, John McEneny, Kerry Muir, Carol Lashof, Aleks Merilo, Dorothea Cahan, James McLindon, Rex McGregor, Andrea Fleck Clardy, Gabriel Davis, Monte Monteleagre, Diana Burbano, Cassie Seinuk, Elayne Heilveil, Jennifer Fell Hayes, T.J. Walsh, Bill Manley, Stephen Laroque, Arthur Boatin, Adam Szymkowicz, Barbara Blatner, Michael Hilton, Bara Swain, Ralph Greco, Jr., David-Matthew Barnes, David Simpatico, Donna Spector
This is Smith & Kraus' 30th Anniversary edition of an exciting collection of monologues for women, most of which are from plays for ages 13 to 70+ and some ageless too! The age of the character is indicated in each monologue. All represent the best in contemporary playwriting.
Included are monologues by June Guralnick, Christopher Woods, Susan Eva Haar, Jonathan Josephson, John McEneny, Kerry Muir, Carol Lashof, Aleks Merilo, Dorothea Cahan, James McLindon, Rex McGregor, Andrea Fleck Clardy, Gabriel Davis, Monte Monteleagre, Diana Burbano, Cassie Seinuk, Elayne Heilveil, Jennifer Fell Hayes, T.J. Walsh, Bill Manley, Stephen Laroque, Arthur Boatin, Adam Szymkowicz, Barbara Blatner, Michael Hilton, Bara Swain, Ralph Greco, Jr., David-Matthew Barnes, David Simpatico, Donna Spector
Monologue Book 3 (of 7): 222 More Comedy Monologues 2 Minutes & Under
This monologue collection features 222 comedic monologues from funny plays from all genres of comedy: farce, satire, dark comedy, period pieces and absurdism. 222 More Comedy Monologues 2 Minutes and Under features monologues by Gabriel Davis including Terrible Being Nice from Davis' play Goodbye Charles.
This is Smith & Kraus' big book of humorous monologues. If you are auditioning for a comedic play and need an anthology to quickly find funny material, this is a great resource.
"The Funniest, Hottest Monologues available! From writers as varied as Anton Chekhov, Will Eno, Reina Hardy, David Rakoff, Mark Twain and Lauren Gunderson. You'll find shades of comedy from light to dark, situational humor, word play, absurdity, surrealism, and first-rate character work by some very funny writers. It's all here!"
This is Smith & Kraus' big book of humorous monologues. If you are auditioning for a comedic play and need an anthology to quickly find funny material, this is a great resource.
"The Funniest, Hottest Monologues available! From writers as varied as Anton Chekhov, Will Eno, Reina Hardy, David Rakoff, Mark Twain and Lauren Gunderson. You'll find shades of comedy from light to dark, situational humor, word play, absurdity, surrealism, and first-rate character work by some very funny writers. It's all here!"
Monologue Book 4 (of 7): Best Contemporary Monologues for Kids Ages 7-15
This monologue collection features 75 monologues for children and teens from all genres of theatre. Best Contemporary Monologues for Kids Ages 7-15 features monologues by Gabriel Davis including Unchatty Cathy from Davis' play 3-Short: A Trio of Plays.
This is Applause Acting Series collection of children's monologues. Inside these pages, aspiring young performers will find 75 challenging monologues just right for kids. All of the pieces are about subjects appropriate for production in schools much of it "serious and challenging" which will interest child performers without offending administrators, teachers, or parents. Some are comical, some are dramatic, and some are seriocomic (a little bit of both). Most of the monologues are from plays, and some are original pieces written especially for this book. Despite the listed age of each character, these monologue can all be performed by kids of any age. The collection features wonderful monologues by some of our finest playwrights, such as Don Nigro, Cassandra Lewis, Reina Hardy, Kayla Cagan, Jenny Lyn Bader, Eric Coble, Glenn Alterman, Constance Congdon, and Barbara Dana. It also highlights exciting up-and-comers, such as Sharon Goldner, Gabriel David, Deanna Alisa Ableser, Martha Patterson, Daniel Guyton, David Eliet, Connie Schindewolf, Mark Lambeck, and Phoebe Farmer.
This is Applause Acting Series collection of children's monologues. Inside these pages, aspiring young performers will find 75 challenging monologues just right for kids. All of the pieces are about subjects appropriate for production in schools much of it "serious and challenging" which will interest child performers without offending administrators, teachers, or parents. Some are comical, some are dramatic, and some are seriocomic (a little bit of both). Most of the monologues are from plays, and some are original pieces written especially for this book. Despite the listed age of each character, these monologue can all be performed by kids of any age. The collection features wonderful monologues by some of our finest playwrights, such as Don Nigro, Cassandra Lewis, Reina Hardy, Kayla Cagan, Jenny Lyn Bader, Eric Coble, Glenn Alterman, Constance Congdon, and Barbara Dana. It also highlights exciting up-and-comers, such as Sharon Goldner, Gabriel David, Deanna Alisa Ableser, Martha Patterson, Daniel Guyton, David Eliet, Connie Schindewolf, Mark Lambeck, and Phoebe Farmer.
Monologue Book 5 (of 7): LAMDA Acting Anthology Volume 4
This monologue collection LAMDA Acting Anthology Volume 4 is a strong resource for children and young adults looking for a range of audition material and features monologues by Gabriel Davis including Almost 16.
This anthology presents the set selection of solo and duologue scenes for learners entering LAMDA graded exams in Performance: Acting (from 1 August 2019) at Levels One and Two.
With a foreword by Harriet Walter, a former LAMDA graduate, the collection includes solo and duologue scenes from published plays and novels as well as scenes which have been specifically written for this anthology.
Each scene is accompanied by a brief outline of the setting in which the characters find themselves, before they start to speak. Solo and duologues scenes have been carefully selected to vary in tone and style, allowing learners the opportunity to practice different techniques, with a breadth of characters and stories to explore beyond the pages of this anthology.
This anthology presents the set selection of solo and duologue scenes for learners entering LAMDA graded exams in Performance: Acting (from 1 August 2019) at Levels One and Two.
With a foreword by Harriet Walter, a former LAMDA graduate, the collection includes solo and duologue scenes from published plays and novels as well as scenes which have been specifically written for this anthology.
Each scene is accompanied by a brief outline of the setting in which the characters find themselves, before they start to speak. Solo and duologues scenes have been carefully selected to vary in tone and style, allowing learners the opportunity to practice different techniques, with a breadth of characters and stories to explore beyond the pages of this anthology.
Monologue Book 6 (of 7): Best Men's Monologues of 2019
This monologue collection Best Men's Monologues of 2019 is a strong resource for men seeking a range of audition material and features monologues by Gabriel Davis including 26 Year Old Bar Mitzvah Boy from Davis' play Goodbye Charles.
"Welcome to our new book of monologues for men, chosen for you by the team at True Acting Institute. We had thousands of submissions. The monologues that have been chosen are presented here in the book along with details about the playwrights."
"Welcome to our new book of monologues for men, chosen for you by the team at True Acting Institute. We had thousands of submissions. The monologues that have been chosen are presented here in the book along with details about the playwrights."
Monologue Book 7 (of 7): Audition Monologues for Young Women
This monologue collection Audition Monologues for Young Women contains 80 female monologues for young actresses and features monologues by Gabriel Davis including I Ate the Divorce Papers from Davis' play Goodbye Charles.
A collection of the world'’s best monologues for women actors featuring well-known playwrights and emerging new writers. The selections are for actresses fifteen to thirty years of age. They are suitable for competitive auditions, acting exercises, forensics, or class and studio work.
Playwrights include Pulitzer Prize winners Paula Vogel, Suzan-Lori Parks, Tracy Letts, John Patrick Shanley, and others. A valuable resource for any auditioning female actor or theatre student. Monologues are from: Doubt by John Patrick Shanley, Phat Girls by Debbie Lamedman, Waiting for Oprah by Mary Miller, The Baltimore Waltz by Paula Vogel, Coffee Klatsch by Dori Appel, Yellow Dishes by Jolene Goldenthal, Lives of the Great Waitresses by Nina Shengold, Love-Lies-Bleeding by Don DeLillo and many more.
A collection of the world'’s best monologues for women actors featuring well-known playwrights and emerging new writers. The selections are for actresses fifteen to thirty years of age. They are suitable for competitive auditions, acting exercises, forensics, or class and studio work.
Playwrights include Pulitzer Prize winners Paula Vogel, Suzan-Lori Parks, Tracy Letts, John Patrick Shanley, and others. A valuable resource for any auditioning female actor or theatre student. Monologues are from: Doubt by John Patrick Shanley, Phat Girls by Debbie Lamedman, Waiting for Oprah by Mary Miller, The Baltimore Waltz by Paula Vogel, Coffee Klatsch by Dori Appel, Yellow Dishes by Jolene Goldenthal, Lives of the Great Waitresses by Nina Shengold, Love-Lies-Bleeding by Don DeLillo and many more.