20 Monologue Challenge

I once told my NYU 2nd year monologue class at Atlantic that if any of them ever did 20 monologues for me in a row I would buy them dinner. Two years later, one called to say they were ready. They did a fabulous job and I bought them dinner. Today I no longer buy dinner for the challenge—instead, I provide a room (if in person) or Zoom, and take detailed notes and give feedback on all 20, for free. Every single time it has been exhilarating to see actors accomplish this feat: 20 monologues in a row, with just a simple transition from one to the next.

The challenge is open to anyone who has taken my basic monologue class. That’s so the basics of acting, staging, and audition techniques for monologues are mutually understood, which makes it possible to concentrate on the fine points of each monologue.

Why do 20? The more good monologues you have in your repertoire, the more likely you’ll be able to show them a piece that’s a great fit for that audition—just like singers have books of great songs. If YOU decide to do 20 monologues, which ones will you choose, and why? I have suggestions for what to include in my book and free class, How to Choose a Monologue for Any Audition.

And now, meet the 20 monologue actors. Many actors have said they will do this challenge, and these are the actors who actually have!