Life and Death, Laughter and Love
Step out of your comfort zone and take a creative risk with these 20 monologues. With a rich variety of strong characters, these short monologues were specifically written to challenge and inspire actors. Playwright Dennis Bush says many of them are based on remarks overheard at parties, in waiting rooms or while shopping. While each is titled after the speaker's name, most can be adapted to the opposite gender. Some subjects include losing a father to cancer, telling a boyfriend to take a hike forever, speaking to a sister on her wedding day, and knowing fame. All are realistic and thoughtful.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT DENNIS BUSH TALKS ABOUT
"LIFE and DEATH, LAUGHTER and LOVE"
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS RESOURCE BOOK?
A: The ed monologues are taken from my original plays. They were initially written to challenge and inspire the talented performers in the North Canyon Theatre Ensemble. The members of that group have enthusiastically demonstrated their willingness to take creative risks and stretch their acting ranges. Now I hope this resource book will challenge and inspire each and every actor or actress who uses it.
Q: WHERE DID THE CHARACTERS COME FROM? ARE THEY BASED ON PEOPLE YOU KNOW?
A: I'm especially proud of the variety of strong characters. Many of the monologues were based on remarks I've overheard at parties, in waiting rooms or while shopping. Characters emerge from my observations. Life stories can be spun from a vanity license plate, the contents of a shopping cart or a stranger's unexpected outburst, among other sources of inspiration. As you read through the monologues in this collection, imagine that you're at a party eavesping on the perspectives and life stories of an assortment of passionate, intriguing people.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A: I encourage performers to take a step outside the comfort zone of the types of characters they usually play. Take a creative risk. Don't be afraid of the acting adventure made possible by tackling a strong and different character. Enjoy!