The Monologue Project
Each Theatre I student will select, memorize, and perform three monologues, as follows:
1. An original monologue. You will create a character and write a monologue, speaking as that
character in a moment of crisis. (DUE OCTOBER 22)
2. A monologue from a contemporary play. You will select a monologue, dramatic or comedic,
from a contemporary play.
3. A Shakespearean monologue. You will select a monologue from the plays of William
Shakespeare.
What is a monologue?
A monologue is a long speech by one character, usually expressing that character’s deep emotions or
inner thoughts.
What are the three essentials of a monologue?
1. A monologue must be about something. The best monologues show a character’s inner
feelings, often in a moment of turmoil, crisis, passion, joy.
2. The monologue must be spoken to someone. This can be another character or characters,
the audience, or yourself. If you are speaking to another character, you need to know your
relationship with that person. If to yourself or the audience, you need to know why these
particular words are coming out of you at this particular moment.
3. A monologue must reveal deep emotion. The character’s speech usually arises from some
kind of emotion that makes the character say these particular words at this particular time.
What are the rules for this assignment?
1. No inappropriate language or content.
2. All monologues should be one to one and half minutes long. The Shakespearean monologue
should be between 15 and 20 lines long.
3. All monologues must be memorized.
4. Be sure your monologue has a HOOK.
5. All monologues are due on the assigned date. (Dates will be discussed in class.)
6. The monologues you choose should NOT be monologues you have performed before.
Monologue assignments:
There will be specific assignments done in conjunction with each monologue.
1. For all monologues: You will clarify the given circumstances by completing a 5 w’s chart for
the moment of the monologue.
2. For all monologues: You will identify the character’s objective and tactics.
3. For the contemporary monologue: You will create a memory box for the character.
4. For the Shakespearean monologue: You will write a modern “translation” of the monologue,
rewriting it in contemporary language.
The original monologue is due October 22. Other due dates will be assigned and discussed in class.