5 Shakespeare Monologues for Kids

One of the most troubling areas of study for young actors is Shakespeare. They feel challenged by the language, vivid characters, and scenes that are often foreign to them. Young actors are typically still growing vocally, physically, and emotionally. Working on Shakespeare helps connect all these different moving pieces so that they can work with confidence. It’s a great way for them to expand their craft, and when given the right material, they can actually have a lot of fun with it.

Here are five Shakespearean monologues for your young actor to explore.

1. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Puck What better character to get kids interested in Shakespeare than the mischievous, high-energy Puck. Puck has many great monologues in the show, from breaking the fourth wall to provide helpful commentary to carrying out King Oberon’s demands, and they can be performed by any child. They rhyme and have consistent rhythms, making them easier to memorize and fun to perform, and the playful nature of the character really gives young actors space to explore the style and make bold choices. It’s a great way to get kids interested in the Bard through material they can have fun with. The various monologues can be found in Act 2, Scene 2, Act 3, Scene 2, and Act 5, Scene 2.

2. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Snug the Lion This is a great segue into Shakespeare for very young actors. It’s short and easily understood with some coaching and it provides the adorable irony of a gentle child playing a fierce lion. The monologue can be found in Act 5, Scene 1. In it, Snug explains that although he was cast as a lion in the play, he’s still a gentle creature who may be somewhat afraid of the women in the audience. It’s a great way to introduce kids to dynamic writing, as it balances a nuanced character with humor without losing Shakespeare’s signature lyricism.

3. “Macbeth”: Witches “Double, double toil and trouble! Fire burn and caldron bubble.” These wicked ladies are perfect for helping kids expand their range, playing completely opposite to their personalities while still having to find ways to connect with the characters. The monologue can be found in Act 4, Scene 1, and follows them as they list their ingredients to cast a spell, while also explaining the outcomes of using magic. Kids love getting to play these heightened, extreme personalities while still working to find the humanity hidden beneath the surface.

4. “The Tempest”: Ariel Another gender-neutral, mysterious character, Ariel is a spirit inhabiting Prospero’s island. In Act 3, scene 3, he explains to his shipwrecked guests how he and his spirit friends were the cause of their destruction, chastising them for the poor behavior of the nobility. Its writing is deep and rich, giving young actors a large canvas to work with, and the heightened character allows them to step out of their shells and work with confidence (after all, you do need confidence if you’re going to tell someone they were “belched up” by the sea). This is a great piece for young actors to explore with physicality, giving them the chance to build a spirit and how they think it would move.

5. “As You Like It”: Rosalind This speech is essentially an extended insult, as Rosalind mocks Phoebe for being boring yet egotistic because of the men who fawn over her and can be found in Act 3, Scene 5. The long string of insults flows well because of the engaging language, which will keep young girls excited and connected to the story. It’s also a great avenue for kids to express some of their unspoken frustrations, which is always a cathartic experience.

Working with Shakespeare allows young actors to improve their craft in all genres. Dynamic language and nuanced characters help push them to better understand themselves. These five monologues are great ways for them to start exploring that nuance with scenes that they’ll enjoy. If they need help understanding the language, No Fear Shakespeare is a great resource, although it shouldn't be used as a substitute for reading the full plays.

6 Shakespeare Monologues for Teens

Every young actor dreams of the chance to deconstruct and explore Shakespeare. High stakes, vivid language, rhythm, and poetry all come together to create a perfect storm of lyricism in his work. This is the kind of material that will really push a young actor to dig deep with his nuanced characters, and it’s pretty popular in the high school scene. That said, it can often be difficult for teens to find material that they can connect to and understand. 

Here are six Shakespeare monologues for teens that can be found online. If your teen needs help understanding the language, No Fear Shakespeare is also a great resource (though it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for reading the plays).

1. “King John”: BlanchIf you want high stakes, you can’t get any higher than deciding whether to support your family or your husband in a war. The imagery in this monologue in Act 3, Scene 1 cuts to the core. Blanch wonders if “loud churlish drums, brayers of hell, be measures to our pomp.” She begs her husband to reconsider his allegiances as he threatens to take up arms against her beloved uncle, King John. The strong conflict gives young actors the freedom to play heightened emotions, which, coupled with the complex relationship between Blanch and her husband, makes this monologue a great challenge for any girl looking to expand her acting horizons.

2. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: Helena Always a fan favorite, here the conniving Helena laments her inability to woo Hermia’s suitor Demetrius. Her desire for beauty, as though confirming her appearance to match Hermia’s will make her worthy of love, is one many teen girls can relate to as is her lovesick despondency. There’s also an opportunity for some comedy when she becomes increasingly overdramatic as the scene goes on. The monologue found in Act 1, Scene 1 begins with the line, “How happy some o’er other some can be,” and provides a fun exploration into a misunderstood character that can work with a number of different choices.

3. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”: LysanderElsewhere in our Midsummer love-rectangle we have Lysander, begging Hermia’s father to allow her to marry him instead of Demetrius. Aside from the hilarity of calling Demetrius “spotted and inconsistent” to his face, Lysander showcases unexpected bravery in this scene, essentially standing up to the adults in the room, which is a dream that all teens share. It’s a great scene for a timid teen who wants to expand his range and can be found in Act 1, Scene 1 beginning with, “You have her father’s love Demetrius.”

4. “Henry VI Part 1”: Joan of Arc Who wouldn’t want to play one of the toughest, most headstrong women in history? In Act 5, Scene 4 Joan of Arc attempts to escape execution by reminding her tormenters of their own moral failings during the war. Her terror knowing her execution is near is juxtaposed by her need to remain composed as she argues for her life. Her simultaneous anger at the men who call her a witch gives this monologue great versatility with the tools to make creative choices. The language in it can be challenging, so it may require a dictionary nearby for the first read-through. But if you’re a headstrong, independent actor and looking for a character to showcase that, you may be the perfect witch to play her.

5. “Romeo and Juliet”: Romeo A tale as old as time, “Romeo and Juliet” is filled with dynamic monologues for teen boys to explore (including his balcony monologue in Act 2, Scene 2, although that one is slightly overdone). The character is age-appropriate and has the same confusion about life indicative of being a teen. His monologues tackle themes of love, fate, and grief, and use complex metaphors to paint a dynamic picture of what it means to grow up. This makes it an easy character for boys to understand and provides a vehicle for them to improve their craft with nuanced writing.

6. “Two Gentlemen of Verona”: LaunceIn Act 2, Scene 3 Launce explains all the reasons why his dog is the cruelest member of his family, being the only one to not cry when Launce left. Unfortunately, he can’t stop mixing his metaphors, confusing himself in the process. The language in this speech is definitely a challenge, even tripping up Launce, but it’s a hilarious, self-aware piece that an actor can really have fun with. It’s a break from Shakespeare’s typical style of comedy, playing with language and poking fun at his usual use of metaphor. It really gives an actor the space to play with and become more acquainted with the Bard’s style. 

Shakespeare is valuable for any teen actor to study. His plays persist centuries after they were written largely because of their universal themes and characters. They’re great ways for actors to better understand their crafts, but also to understand themselves.

4 Films With Great Performances Your Child Actor Should Watch

Good acting makes the art of acting look effortless and watching strong performances will help young actors catch the nuances of a truthful and realistic performance. These four films feature fully-developed young characters and award-winning performances. While they were made quite some time ago, the honest acting and wide variety of roles will give today’s young talent compelling examples from some of the greatest child actors.

1. “The Goonies”This 1985 cult classic is well suited for young actors as well as teens. Steven Spielberg and Warner Bros. created this adventure comedy about a group of misfits trying to save their homes while being chased by criminals as they travel on a wild adventure. The Goonies, a name the kids give to themselves, must find a hidden pirate treasure to save their homes. Full of memorable performances from a strong cast of both boys and girls, “Goonies” offers action, laughter, and many moments of outstanding acting.

2. “Paper Moon”
This 1973 classic, directed by Peter Bogdanovich, featured real-life father and daughter Ryan and Tatum O’Neal. Tatum was just 10 years old and had no prior acting experience. The film, shot in black and white, is about a pair of con artists working in the Midwest during the Great Depression. Tatum plays Addie Loggins, a young girl in an adult situation with an astounding amount of nuance and detail rarely seen in child acting. Her understanding of comedy, chemistry, and performing without stereotypical cuteness is impressive. Even though Addie is conning people, you can’t help but fall in love with her. Tatum O’Neal won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for this role in “Paper Moon.”

A note for parents: Addie smokes in this film. However, the cigarettes used contained no nicotine and were made of lettuce. They were so unpleasant that Tatum grew nauseous from them. This could open up an opportunity to have an interesting discussion with your child about what they are and are not willing to do for a role.

 3. “Bad News Bears” 
Tatum O’Neal was cast in this 1976 comedy about a Little League baseball team with no hope of winning. It’s rude, vulgar, and great fun. Walter Matthau and a team of misfit preteens offer performances so real that you may wonder if they’re acting at all. Some kids are obnoxious, cynical, and smug. Others curse, pick their nose, or are clumsy. This film offers compelling examples of honest acting and quirky characters. Be sure to watch the original version of this film. The sequels and 2005 remake are not as strong.

4. “Stand By Me”
This award-winning coming of age classic, directed by Rob Reiner, features terrific performances by young actors Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, River Phoenix, and Jerry O’Connell. The story deals with sadness, tragedy, and fearlessness. Set in a small Oregon town, four friends set out to find the body of a missing teenager. Like “Stranger Things,” the complex characters grapple with painful life lessons during a journey that will change their lives. The messages of the film focus on finding a place in life and valuing friendships.

This film is rated R for mature themes, including violence, sexual references, and strong language so it’s not appropriate for young children. If your pre-teen child is auditioning for roles in mature films though, “Stand By Me” is a must-see.

So why not have some family movie nights, watch these classic films, and inspire your young actor with great performances?

6 Ways Child Actors Can Salvage the Summer

With lights dark until 2021 and COVID numbers still on the rise in many states, most educators have decided to continue teaching virtually. This has unfortunately resulted in camps and programs being canceled for the 2020 season, causing many students to worry about how they’ll continue to train. Lucky for them, educators have stepped up to the plate creating programming where different classes can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Whether it is Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Hangout all you need is a phone, an iPad, or a computer to get started. 

With these options available, here are six ways your young actor can get the most out of their training this summer. 

1. Small group foundation building acting classes.

When your busy young actor is running from audition to audition and performing eight nights a week, they may not have time to focus on structure and building an acting foundation. Small group acting classes with 8–14 students is a wonderful way to cultivate trust within a group, learn from others, and grow with confidence. The good news is many of these classes can be taken online over the summer, allowing students from different locations and backgrounds to grow together. Start by enrolling your child in one of these courses. Many have adapted well to the virtual format so your child can continue learning in a structured environment, despite the uncertainty brought by today’s pandemic.

2. Masterclasses with working performers.

With so many performers out of work, Broadway actors are teaching what they know and do best. Many have begun leading master classes online with prominent student groups, which provide a fun way for your child to improve their craft with artists they admire. Scour the internet for single-day workshops and master classes. Many don’t require huge time commitments and they allow your child to take notes from their Broadway idols. They’re also great for students who live outside of New York who wouldn’t be given these opportunities if they hadn’t gone virtual.

3. One on one coaching.

There’s so much to learn to become a multi-faceted performer. The beauty of working one on one with a coach is you can focus on you and the specific skills you want to excel in including acting technique, voice, Shakespeare, monologues, audition technique, dance, dialects, and just about whatever you feel you need to improve. Working online also provides a unique opportunity to utilize your surrounding environments in ways you wouldn’t in person. Many teachers have been using FaceTime for years to work with students that live far away, so the good news is that the system has already been polished and improved.

4. Mindfulness, relaxation, and stress relief courses.

Being a busy young actor can be stressful and that stress has only been compounded by the recent break in routine that many children are experiencing. Enrolling your child in mindfulness and relaxation courses online is a great way to help them destress and cope with any confusion they might be feeling. While it’s important that they continue honing their acting skills, they shouldn’t neglect their mental health in the process. Online meditation can do both, helping your child improve their focus during work and keeping them healthy.

5. Explore YouTube.

YouTube has always been a great resource for young actors to improve their skills, and its benefits have become more apparent during social distancing. Kids can go online and find free tutorials on anything from cooking to basketball. This can be a great way for them to learn a new skill for their résumé or for them to improve their singing and acting technique. Bear in mind that few of these videos are uploaded by licensed professionals, and they should never take the place of class and coaching for your child. The first person your actor should consult for acting advice is always an instructor they know and trust. But if your young actor is in the mood to learn how to dribble a basketball or do a Russian accent, YouTube is a highly accessible resource.

6. Join virtual performances. 

From cabarets to monologue slams, there are plenty of performances that have gone online and are now accessible to anyone in the world. This allows students to be viewed by hundreds of people who wouldn’t otherwise get to see them. I absolutely recommend auditioning for one of these programs. They’re great ways for students to perfect their skills and make new friends online, and many invite industry guests to the viewings. Students can learn to film themselves effectively and share their work with professionals who often give helpful critiques.

There’s no telling when the entertainment industry will resume in-person classes and auditions, so it’s important that students continue adjusting to a virtual world. These programs are more accessible than ever before, and many have been perfecting their online models for months now to ensure that students can continue to grow over the summer. Even if their camp isn’t meeting in person, students can still receive value on line.  This will assure that they’re ready when our world opens up again.

How a Child Actor Can Get Cast in an Indie Film

Q: How can my child get cast in an indie film? —Jane S.*

Independent films can be a great launching pad for an actor’s career. That being said, getting cast in an indie film is not much different from getting cast in any other medium.

The first things to consider are your child actor’s talent, readiness, marketability, and type. Actors get cast if they fit the role and have the skill level needed to play the character. If your child does not have representation, such as an agent or manager, to submit them for roles being cast, there are many online resources you can turn to in order to find out about casting opportunities in indie films. Backstage is the first place to go to look for open calls, opportunities to which anyone can apply. Make sure your child has a good picture representing their current age and type, and a résumé to go with it. If there is any video footage you can upload of them acting on-camera, this is also helpful for casting directors, so they can see how your child looks and acts on film.

Beyond casting sites, read the trade papers to find out about upcoming projects. Follow indie directors on social media so you know what may be coming up, and follow sites like Women in Film and IFP, as well as Facebook groups for independent filmmakers, to get a heads up on upcoming projects. Casting directors look for a well-rounded, authentic child who can bring their acting chops to the table and give a compelling performance. That means training is key. Through classes and workshops, your child may also have a chance to show their work to casting directors who cast indie films.

Recently, I moderated an online forum with casting directors to speak about the changes in the industry today. One of my guests casts specifically for indie films, and she said she looks to social media when casting, so having an Instagram account or YouTube channel with videos and photos can be helpful.

By exploring these avenues, you can find opportunities for your child actor to get cast in an indie film.

5 Comedic Monologues for Kids

Let’s be honest. Comedy is hard! Understanding timing, the secret to comedy, and the drama beneath the character’s warped reality is not easy. The first step to improving your child’s comedic game is finding good material. There are plenty of online reservoirs of simple comedic monologues that can work, but I prefer to look to published plays, TV and film scripts, and even novels for more layered, nuanced material. 

Here are five comedic monologues I find work great for young children.

1. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Richard R. GeorgeEvery kid in town knows and loves “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” The play, written by George, is based on the classic book by Roald Dahl. The monologues in it are surprisingly scarce on the audition scene. One particular monologue I like comes courtesy of Veruca Salt, who demands her wealthy father get her a Golden Ticket when she decided she just had to have one. It’s a great character piece for girls who have enough energy to nail Veruca’s over-the-top brattiness. From the engaging story to the unexpected shift in tone at the end, this monologue is a slam dunk to entertain even the most reserved audience.

2. “The Loman Family Picnic” by Donald MarguliesI love this monologue because of its self-aware writing. It’s riddled with jokes that kids might not understand, but the character, Mitchell, is confused right alongside them. In the monologue, Mitchell explains to his Dad his plan to write a musical comedy version of “Death of a Salesman” titled “Willy!” with emphasis on the exclamation point. Mitchell’s attempts to connect with the adults in his life, including his father and his teacher, provide a dramatic backbone for the piece that kids can relate to while his creative interpretation of a classic work makes for an entertaining finale.

 3. “The Fifth of July” by Lanford WilsonThis is another high-energy piece that works best for outgoing kids. It follows 13-year-old Shirley as she regales the audience with tales of her future successes when she’ll “do something astonishing.” What will she be famous for, exactly? She’s not sure. But she’s certainly enthralled by the possibilities. Her unflinching self-confidence is itself funny to witness, but the writing takes it a step further by piling on the melodrama, even having Shirley pretend to be a woman who died of amazement after seeing her gifts. The excitement that Shirley has while looking toward the future is endearing and hilarious, making the piece great for kids to impress with their willingness to make bold choices.

4. “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” by John Gordon and Charles M. SchultzCharlie Brown may be the ultimate underdog of children’s literature. In this monologue he once again manages to self-sabotage his attempts to woo the cute little redheaded girl, even putting a lunch bag over his head when he realizes she may actually be looking at him. The arc of his monologue takes the audience on a full journey as Charlie Brown goes from being generally worn down by the world to being hopeful that the little redheaded girl may look his way to realizing his best option is just to count down the 2,863 lunch periods until he can be free of eating daily peanut butter sandwiches. The hilarity comes from his utter lack of self-awareness. He goes from quickly throwing a bag over his head to wondering why the girl won’t look at him, and can’t seem to decide whether he really wants her to look at him at all. The comedy isn’t as high-energy as some of the other monologues on the list, making it great for a quieter student looking to show off their comedic skills.

 5. “The Young Girl and the Monsoon” by James RyanIn this piece, our young girl laments the hypothetical gain in weight she’ll experience if she eats her father’s oily broccoli. She’s definitely overdramatic, but the unfortunate reality is that low self-esteem is an issue that many kids face and one which is captured so brilliantly by this confused, anxiety-ridden piece. It’s a conflict kids can understand that is presented by a hilariously talkative little girl, creating a comedic environment rooted in a real, albeit overblown fear. 

In addition to these five monologues for your young performer to showcase their comedic chops, there are plenty more out there. Just as long as it’s age-appropriate, there’s an interesting conflict, and there are plenty of changes of intention, your child will be ready to ace whatever audition is thrown their way.

5 Dramatic Monologues for Kids

I’m not a big fan of generic monologue books. Every now and then I’ll run across a piece that is well-written and works nicely, but most of the time they’re trite and obvious. Instead, I look for monologues from plays, movies, and even novels, which contain conflict and good character work. These can be hard to come by for kids under age 12 though.  

So here are five dramatic monologues for kids that are sure to push your child to improve their acting skills.

1. “A Little Princess”This whimsical book-turned-movie-turned-musical follows Sara Crewe, an imaginative 11-year-old who is forced to move into a boarding school after her father dies in combat during World War I. In one scene, she assures her fellow students that their loved ones watch over them in heaven even when they can’t be seen.

I love this monologue because of its sincerity. Sara’s optimism, cheerfulness, and genuine heart shine through in every word, and those are qualities that many young girls already possess and celebrate. Beyond its surface-level charm it offers a multi-layered character to develop. Sara’s description of heaven is detailed and unique, enough so to reveal why she maintains such a cheerful attitude without fully dismissing the effect her mother’s death has had on her. It highlights Sara’s naivete without being condescending, making it a perfect monologue for naive children to relate to.

 2. “The Member of the Wedding”This coming of age story follows 12-year-old Frankie as she follows her older brother on his honeymoon. In her monologue, Frankie explains her awe in realizing the extreme loneliness she felt before understanding what it meant to “belong to a ‘we.’ ” This monologue is perfect for auditions because of the distinct changes Frankie undergoes throughout. While the piece climaxes when she decides to follow her brother to Winter Hill, there’s no shortage of personal realizations and emotional beats as she comes to that understanding. Frankie’s universally shared desire to find her place makes the monologue both relatable and entertaining as she comes to terms with her desires in unique, childish ways. Additionally, the character herself is more spunky than Sara Crewe, making it good for more spirited girls who may have a hard time connecting to Sara.

 3. “Irreconcilable Differences”This film monologue expertly tackles mature themes such as neglect and emotional abuse while still highlighting the innocence of its protagonist, Casey. In it Casey argues for legal emancipation from her absent parents, explaining the decency she feels adults owe to one another and the obligation they have to care for their children. Casey’s simplified view of right and wrong is blunt and honest. This is why her monologue is good for kids; it bridges the divide between youthful innocence and adult maturity through the eyes of a child. The monologue is essentially a plea for attention, respect, and understanding, and that’s something kids can understand in a world where their voices are often overlooked. Casey must articulate her desire for independence to a room full of adults who still see her as naive and incapable, and that’s a conflict young girls can understand.   

4. “Nine Months”While “Nine Months” is a comedy film, Truman’s monologue is actually dramatic. In it the young boy explains to his new therapist why he was forced to go to therapy after his father had a mid-life crisis and he began acting out to get attention. The monologue begins with some comedy, as Truman admits that he sawed the heads off of his dad’s golf clubs and super glued his credit cards to his wallet. But in the end, when he finally confesses that “kids need their dads,” it becomes a heartfelt monologue with the depth necessary to challenge a young actor to understand the character. The need for attention isn’t a foreign struggle for young boys, making this the perfect monologue for them to add to their repertoire.

5. “Runaways”The musical “Runaways” features a cast of about 20 teens and children, each one having a song, scene, or monologue about why they ran away from home. It’s a great source of material because of its dynamic writing. Each monologue has a unique voice, yet they all have the same lingering sense of uncertainty that’ll have the audience on the edge of their seats. Some of my favorites are AJ’s monologue when they explain why they had no choice but to leave their unstable home, when Eddie asserts that they believe there is a problem with the world while begging that their teacher doesn’t flunk them for their criticism, and Lazar’s monologue, in which the child explains why superheroes can only be found in comic books. Most of the monologues will work for kids of any gender, and while many were written for teens, they’re still great material for younger actors.

All these dramatic monologues will help your child ace their audition and showcase their skills, but there are plenty of other plays, TV shows, and books out there with dynamic monologues for young actors. As long as the conflict is good, the tactics used to overcome the conflict change, and your child can relate to the material, there will be nothing keeping them from reaching their full acting potential.

7 Comedic Monologues for Teens

From balancing the drama inherent in comedy to understanding wacky, slightly awkward characters, tackling comedic monologues can be one of the most difficult tasks a student undertakes. The first step to nailing comedy is finding good material. This can be challenging as students often fall into the trap of choosing generic monologues without depth or focusing on surface-level gags. It’s important to remember that monologues should be active instead of passive and be age-appropriate and relatable. It’s OK to piece together several small speeches to make a monologue cutting as well.

I’ve spent decades reading plays and helping young actors choose the material. Here are seven comedic monologues I’ve chosen for teens to look at.

“A Midsummer Night in the OC” by D. Tupper McKnight

A modern interpretation of the jealous maiden, Helena’s monologue here oozes with teen insecurity and angst. Beneath the entertaining one-liners about “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and middle school, we can see her insecurities peeping through as she tries to convince Demetrius, an equally awkward boy, to return her affection. It has all the humor of Shakespeare’s original play, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” mixed with modern references that teens are sure to connect to.

“Serendipity and Serenity” by Jonathan Marc Sherman

Jonathan Marc Sherman wrote several plays for the Young Playwrights Festival in his youth, so you can rest assured he knows how teenagers think. That understanding comes through in every line of dialogue. His dark humor is tinged with adolescent fear without being overly melodramatic. You may be familiar with his play “Women in Wallace,” which itself has a great monologue. But he’s also written more obscure plays full of the authenticity that is essential to character-based comedy. I’ve seen Lionel’s monologue from this play, which takes place in a bathroom, performed by both boys and girls and it’s always a winner.

“All This Intimacy” by Rajiv Joseph

The title says it all. The character Jen’s hilarious attempts to wring some emotion out of her boyfriend are foiled by her own ineptitude in her monologue here. While we laugh at her seriousness as she spars with the laryngitis-stricken boy, we can also appreciate her genuine attempts to understand her place in the world, a connection that endears us to her beyond the surface-level humor.

“Dags” by Debra Oswald

This piece really does call out the oxymoron of adolescence. Teen girls will relate with not fitting in, attempts to be popular, and waking up with pimples which will ruin your day. Told through the eyes of a girl with her head in a bag, the monologue really just gives teens an opportunity to let loose about the stress of adolescence. It dials up the melodrama, angst, and confusion, making it easy to connect with it and really have fun. Written by an Australian writer, some of the words can be changed to Americanize it.

“Everything Will Be Different” by Mark Schultz

The confusion of this character is both hilarious and endearing as he tries to convince Charlotte, a girl who doesn’t know him particularly well, that they should “be like boyfriend and girlfriend or something.” After he stumbles through history’s most awkward pick-up monologue, the audience will be rolling at his final, darkly random apology over the death of Charlotte’s mother.

“From Up Here” by Liz Flahive

This piece is a more mature version of “Everything Will Be Different.” It has all of the awkward, stumbling romance that Schultz writes, but the character Charlie is slightly older and more in control of what he says. It’s a dynamic monologue, with beats of contemplation juxtaposed with Charlie’s anxious ramblings. It is an easy monologue for lovesick teenage boys to understand.

“I Ought to be in Pictures” By Neil Simon

Is there anything more awkward than a girl and her dad having “the talk”? Not when Libby is in charge. Although Libby doesn’t have one long speech you can splice together some of Simon’s witty dialogue. This cutting is more of a dramatic comedy as Libby transitions from her initial nervous ramblings about her crush into the pain she feels over her strained relationship with her mother, and the lyricism is impressive throughout. The subject matter is more mature, so I’d recommend it for an older teen, but Libby’s sporadic changes in tone make this an impressive monologue for anyone who likes a multi-layered character to explore.

When looking for a great monologue to perform, read this past article of mine to understand how to choose a compelling piece. While searching for your next comedic piece you are sure to have fun exploring different playwrights and styles of writing to see what speaks to you. 

How the Onscreen Casting Process Works for Child Actors

While many think that children have to be a specific type to be cast in TV and film, or that there isn’t any work for teens, that’s untrue. TV and film are actually very accessible, provided you know how it all works. The first step to getting your child into the business is understanding the casting process. Here’s what you need to know.

How does your child get an appointment?A big difference between auditioning for theater and auditioning for on screen work is the availability of open calls. Open calls, or auditions where anyone can attend and will be seen on a first-come first-serve basis, are common for theatrical projects, but less available for film and television. Backstage and other such platforms can be really helpful in finding auditions for student films, independent films, and web series without an agent or manager. These can be especially helpful for filling up their demo reel. But if your child is looking to get cast in bigger, more professional projects, they really do need an agent or manager to get those appointments.

Does your child need to join the union? There are union and nonunion projects. For television and film, the actors union is known as SAG-AFTRA. All children able to provide proof of employment either as a principal actor or in three union-covered background roles are eligible to join. Currently, the initiation fee is $3,000 and the annual membership dues are a few hundred dollars, plus 1.575 percent of all earnings made under union contracts between $1 and $500,000. SAG-AFTRA does wonders in making sure your child is safe, being educated while on set, and receiving just compensation.

In that sense, it can be helpful to join the union and receive union perks, like pension and health care. However, membership in the union doesn’t grant your child special treatment or preference in casting, and there is more work available to nonunion actors than union. I don’t recommend joining the union until it is absolutely necessary, but it is best to talk to your child’s agent or manager about when joining SAG-AFTRA would be right.

How do auditions work?This is the fun part. When auditioning for television or film the process isn’t very different from theater. Your child will receive sides, or pages from the script, ahead of time and be expected to memorize them. There’s also the possibility that the audition will be a self-tape, which means they’ll record the audition from home and send it to the casting team. If the casting director thinks they’re a good fit for the role, they may have your child retape the audition or call them in for an in-person audition. If things progress well, they may fly your child out to the filming location to have them meet the production team. The same thing can happen if they don’t have representation however you’ll be the go-between with the casting team. Make sure your child is prepared by working on their script with what they have learned from their training or with their acting coach. 

Does your child need to have their lines memorized?In film and television, it’s highly recommended for the child to memorize their lines. Why? Because they’re on tape! If they have their eyes glued to a page, the only thing anyone will be able to see is the top of their heads! It’ll also make it easier for your child to connect with the reader and give a more authentic performance. There’s not much wiggle-room here. Memorize memorize memorize!

What do casting directors want?  It’s difficult to anticipate exactly what a casting director is looking for in an actor, and their criteria change from production to production. It’s best for the child to just be their authentic, unique self rather than play to what they think casting is looking for. That said, there are a few differences in how to audition for TV and film because the audition space is more confined. Smaller, more precise movements are better than larger ones so the actor can stay in frame. Naturalness on-camera is the most important aspect when acting in this medium. The camera picks up everything the theater can hide, so mastering on-camera technique is essential to good film and television acting. Your child should develop artistry through which they can let their personality shine without revealing their technique. 

What’s in your control is finding out about casting opportunities, learning lines and having an understanding of what is being asked. What’s out of your control is getting the part. Remind your child to have fun, do the best they can, let it go, and buy them an ice cream on their way home.

11 Ways Young Actors Can Be Productive This Holiday Season

It’s everyone’s favorite time of year. Holidays, travel, family, food, chaos. It’s what life’s about. So what better place to learn about human behavior than at a large family gathering or traveling with Aunt Beth, Uncle Billy, and their three children? Perhaps you’re stuck in the airport due to a weather delay and your flight is canceled. Turn lemons into lemonade this holiday season and work on developing new characters by people watching, try learning a new accent while waiting, tap into some newfound emotions, be observant, or just be thankful.

With a week to a month off for some, there’s enough time to learn a new skill, get introspective with journaling, or give back with community service. Here are some ideas for how young performers can stay active and productive this holiday season. 

1. Participate in community service. Instead of receiving gifts this year, give the gift of service. Volunteer at a soup kitchen on Thanksgiving or Christmas, collect gifts for the needy, or participate in a cabaret or performance with a group at a nursing home or hospital. The best way to feel good about yourself is to do “feel good” things. 

2. Go to a museum.One of my favorite plays is Tina Howe’s “Museum,” an absurd comedy in which 40 characters react to several art exhibits. No matter where you live there are probably many different types of museums. Have fun watching how others react to art and each other while getting your own inspiration from another art form. 

3. See theater. With time off from work or school, it’s a great time to catch up on live theater. You don’t have to live in NYC to see a good play. Professional companies tour many cities across the country and there are plays being produced at your local regional or community theater. Here’s a tip if you plan to visit New York. If you want reasonably priced seats to a sold out show, just go to the box office and ask. Seats are released daily and you might just get lucky and score a ticket to “Hamilton” without paying tourist surcharges. 

5 Things You Can Do to Further Your Career During the Holidays

4. Catch up on movies. Who doesn’t like seeing a blockbuster movie? If you don’t want to spend the money or just feel like hunkering down at home, I’m sure your streaming devices have an old flick playing you’ve never seen. Some of my favorite recommendations for young actors are “Paper Moon,” “Whiplash,” “Splash,” and “Blast from the Past.”

5. Read!I have a stack of plays to read this holiday season. When reading new playwrights’ work I often find great scenes and monologues to recommend to my students. Plays read much faster than novels so what are you waiting for!

6. Enjoy nature.We all get bogged down by life’s daily distractions. Embrace this opportunity as you take some quiet time for yourself or with your family. Whether hiking or cross country skiing, enjoy the outdoors and the beauty and solace it brings. 

7. Do a puzzle. Not only is doing a puzzle good for brain building, but it’s a great way to bond with family and friends and get your mind off work.

8. Create a business action plan. Acting is a business and like most successful businesses you need a strategic action plan to succeed. Make sure to check self-submission sites such as Backstage daily so you don’t miss out on casting opportunities. Be current with your picture and résumé, and start work on your demo reel footage. Create lists of casting directors who accept headshots and résumés, and scour the internet for workshop and performance opportunities.

9. Write a monologue.Looking for the perfect monologue? Recall a funny or moving story in your life and take pen to paper and start writing. Remember truthful, honest, and real narratives will be the most powerful.

10. Write thank you notes. It’s not called Thanksgiving for nothing. Seize the opportunity to remind your child of how many people work to help them have a career. 

11. Create a vision board. Who says resolutions don’t stick? With plenty of time to plan for the coming year, the holiday break can be a great opportunity to organize your ambitions and make sure you’re ready for the next cycle of auditions and classes. Vision boards can really help motivate you for your work as an actor and remind you of your goals, making it more likely that you’ll find success in whatever areas you decide to pursue. So what are you waiting for? Grab some scissors and get crafting!