How do you select the right dramatic monologue? It can feel like a weighty task. Monologues can shake up even the best actors. Choosing the right dramatic monologue is a great way to build your confidence and provide and help you shine bright like the star you are. So here are some fantastic dramatic monologues that will help you stand out in your next audition.

Monologues for Kids

Finding an excellent dramatic monologue for kids, especially very young actors below 12, can be quite daunting. Not anymore. Here are some short, fun, and easy to learn dramatic monologues for outstanding performance.

 Boys

Character Name: Unknown
“Some people think I don’t like sharing, but that isn’t true at all. I love sharing. I mean, what’s not
to love about being able to go up to someone and say, “Hey, can I have some of that candy?” And
then they give you some! Or, “Can I ride your bike for a while?”” Read more here

Character Name: Louis “No, I’m sorry, Mrs. Jones, I don’t eat that. I only eat hot dogs. You don’t have hot dogs? Oh. Well, maybe I should go home then. That’s all I eat. Hot dogs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sometimes I eat to or three instead of just one.” Read more here.

 Girls

Character Name: Addy
Addy fell asleep while chewing gum. Now it’s stuck in her hair!
“(Screams.) Look what happened! Oh no, oh no, oh noooooo! What am I going to do? It won’t come
out! No, Mom, you can’t cut my hair!” Read more here.

Character Name: Shonda
“Mom, can I help? Why not? I’m good at baking. I do not make a mess! I do a good job. Can we make
cookies? Chocolate chip? Everybody likes cookies. I’m done with my homework. So I can help you.” Read more here.

Teens
Choosing the right dramatic monologue for teenagers is not an easy task. You want to choose a piece that resonates with them, mostly those written by their peers. Go for shorter simple pieces which are easy to understand and recite.

Teen Girls
Character Name: Tina
“I’m not trying to choose between anyone or anything, I’m just trying to live my life and it’s not fair what you’ve been doing to me, it’s not right that you put this pressure on me all the time. I can’t be at two places at once.” Read more here.

Character Name: Claire – The Breakfast Club
“Okay, what about you, you hypocrite! Why don’t you take Allison to one of your heavy metal vomit parties? Or
take Brian out to the parking lot…” Read more here.

Teen Boys
Character Name: Jesse
Jesse has been battling demons within himself, which causes terrible mood swings. In this monologue, they are relaxing at the beach as they discuss the chances of breaking up. Jesse talks to his girlfriend, Juliet telling her how he feels about talking to her that bad. Read more here.

Mind Trick by Jesse
Mind trick is an award-winning monologue that explores different ways you can deal with and control strange thoughts. It goes on about identifying and working on erratic behavior within us. Read more here.

Adults

Whether you teach or take acting classes, here are some dramatic monologues which, if well done, guarantees a splendid performance.

Women

The Dining Room by A.R. Gurney

In the dining hall of a well-to-do home, Grace argues with Carolyn, her daughter, about how she is living her life. She wants her daughter to change her ways and take the same path her mother took. Read more here.

The Seed by Kate Mulvany Rose
This monologue depicts great humor, immense love, and honesty. Rose Maloney’s father went to Vietnam. Brian, her grandpa, is ex-IRA. This play features family love, rivalry, lies, and intergenerational causes. Read more here.

 Men

The Bear by Anton Chekhov
This exciting yet emotional piece features a widow, Popova, still mourning her husband seven months after his death. Luka, her servant, advises that she should go out and meet the neighbors but declines saying she will mourn all her life. Read more here.

Punk Rock by Simon Stephens Chadwick

The monologue shines a light on the struggles William and his peers face trying to pass their A-level mock exams while navigating the joys and pressures of teenage life. Read more here.