Wiki Page, Oklahoma High School- Drama/Theatre Course (OK Art Tech): 13.3 Introduction to Monologues

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2025-03-06T08:26:15-06:00

Introduction to Monologues

Actors use monologues to learn the basics of acting, practice and hone their skills, and audition for work. Monologue comes from the Greek words "Monos" (alone) and "Logos" (speech). A monologue is a speech by a single character in the dramatic context of a play, film, or TV show. Monologues can address other characters in the scene or be one character talking to themselves or the audience. It can drive the scene's action forward or present a story from earlier in the character's life. Whether reading a monologue or performing a memorized one, your voice should be loud and clear.

Movie Monologue Example

Watch the video below to observe an example of a monologue. In this scene, a man has just been fired from his rock and roll band. Because he needed money, he accepted a job as a substitute teacher. He is still upset about being fired and brings those feelings into the classroom.

Video: The Man- The School of Rock (3/10) Movie CLIP (2003) HD

Movieclips. (2011, Oct 10). The Man- The School of Rock (3/10) Movie CLIP (2003) HD. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/37oJqWp4rJM?si=nnDZcNZtMwaCjpVR

Click on the button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

Student Monologue Example

Watch the monologue below for an example of a student performing a monologue directly to the camera. See if you can find elements of voice, gestures, or other elements of expression you explored in the previous module.

Video: Example of Commercial Monologues

HOTT Theatre for Children. (2019, Mar 9). Example of Commercial Monologues. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/Zr2R_cx4e8w?feature=shared

Click on the button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

The video above is an example of a monologue commercial. That means one person is speaking, and they are selling something. Learn more about this on the next page.

Guiding Questions

By yourself, or with a partner, answer the following questions before moving on to the next page.

1. Think of a show you've watched recently, or a show you like. Are there any monologues included?

2. Name the elements of voice and expression you see in both videos.

Check Answer