Hello, actors! This book is about making the search for the perfect monologue easier. To make this possible, it's been organized in two ways: The monologues are divided up by character type presented in alphabetical order. However, categories are simple and people are complex. Keep this in mind when acting out these pieces. Bring as much humanity and variation to the characters as you can. Just like you, they contain layers. Remember, the purpose of this organization is not to fit people into convenient labels or stereotypes. (As John Hughes so rightly said in The Breakfast Club, “Each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal.”) It's merely to make the search for a monologue easier.Additionally, there is also a subject index in the back. Feel free to flip through and see if there's a particular issue that “speaks” to you. Several monologues are purposefully difficult subject matters presented for actors seeking a challenge. Though it is never a bad choice to choose a monologue close to your issues and personality, each human being in the world has the capacity to imagine and to empathize with others. Don't be afraid to stretch yourself! Here are some tips on approaching monologues: • Pick the monologue that hits you. Trust your instincts. You'll pick the right one! • Make the monologue active. Think about what you want (sympathy, a date, etc.), and how you try to get it (flattery, guilt, etc.).• Who are you talking to and where are they? Some monologues have you speaking to more than one person. Make sure you make this as clear as possible.• Do you get answered or interrupted? Be sure to fill in words in your head for the moments when you are spoken to in the monologue, even if it's a simple “yes” or “no.” • How do you feel about the person or people you are talking to? For example, you speak a lot differently to your best friend than you do to your math teacher.• Be real. Talk like a real person. Think about how you'd feel in the same circumstances. Bring these characters to life as only you can. These monologues stand alone as solo pieces (and are not from full-length plays). However, if you want to put together a showcase of monologues, you'll see that some pieces work very well together. Feel free to mix and match. Additionally, if you'd like to change a word or the gender of a character, etc., feel free. I want these monologues to work for you! Enjoy! Kristen Dabrowski