Monologues are an essential part of a stage actor’s career, and that includes actors from ALL walks of life! It doesn’t matter what sort of actor you are – comedic, dramatic, classical or contemporary…you will need a variety of short funny monologues to have ready if you’re auditioning for acting work. Professional actors certainly know this, but it is advantageous for those that are active in community theater or school theater, too!
Theater in recent years has exploded. It seems like all of a sudden theater and acting is “cool”. More specifically, it’s cool for kids! This has made my life as an acting teacher very enriching and interesting indeed. I have noticed something has changed as far as audition requirements go, though! Gone are the days when a kid can pretty much just show up to an audition, and do something simple and get cast… because the artistic staff like their personality.
Here’s the reality: it’s MUCH more competitive these days for all ages, and that includes kids at the non-professional level as well. My students and I have noticed that most audition notices mirror those of a professional adult actor, where you need to prepare and memorize a one minute monologue. Oftentimes, my student is intimidated at all the options out there and just doesn’t know how or where to begin!
In this blog post, I want to make it easy for you and the young actor or actors in your life, whether you’re a parent or arts educator- or perhaps a young actor yourself!
Here are my suggestions on some one minute monologues for kids that will show off your actor at their next audition!
What is a Dramatic Monologue for Kids?
A monologue is simply a speech that is given to an imaginary audience of one or more people. It can be serious or comedic – but for kids, the key is to find short but sweet snippets that are easy to memorize yet also poignant.
Other tips for finding the right monologue include:
- Choosing a monologue that suits the role – make sure you choose a one-minute monologue that matches the role for which you are auditioning. Don’t use a comedic monologue if you’re auditioning for a more dramatic role!
- Find a monologue that tells a story and has emotional relevance
- Pick a speech from one of your favorite plays or movies – this is a great way to help you remember the lines
Preparation is key when you’re getting ready for an audition. Memorizing your lines is important, but so, too, is knowing what to do if you can’t think of them! Knowing how to improvise is an important skill for any actor and it’s something you’ll learn at some of your first acting lessons, if you decide to take some. Learn more in this video:
What Are Some Easy Monologues? 3 Short Dramatic Selections
Memorizing lengthy speeches can be intimidating for kids. These one minute monologues for kids under 15 are short and sweet – perfect for making an impact without taking up a lot of time (or causing a lot of stress!).
Not sure where to start – or which of these 1 minute monologue from a play to choose? Consider signing up for acting lessons. This is a great way to hone your skills and pinpoint where, exactly, your specific talents lie!
1. Dorothy’s Monologue from Wizard of Oz
I love this one! It’s perfect for all sorts of tween through teen girl actors. This is the scene towards the end where Dorothy wakes up in Auntie Em’s house, recalling her “dream” of her magical Oz adventure to Em and the farmhands. My young acting students have had great luck with this one, both as an audition piece AND as an acting exercise. This monologue is great for kids that love to audition for big, well-known shows (including musicals, for sure!) and will work for school shows, community theaters, and professional productions, too. Very versatile, and needless to say – a fun classic!
This monologue can be found on the excellent resource, Stage Agent.
2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Monologues
This entire show is a GEM! You have a wide variety of monologues in here that will work, and they are all very easy to find and select.
Here’s a handy guide to help you decide which character would work for your actor:
- Charlie is great for a boy that is sweet natured and more boy-next door, and desires to portray similar characters.
- Mike Teavee is for a young boy that has no problem playing very bratty!
- Augustus is for a confident budding character actor who has no problem poking fun of his husky size (there are lots of roles like Augustus out there, one of his monologues, done well, could get a young actor lots of work!).
- Veruca is also bratty and over the top beyond belief, and can also work for a young girl good at British accents, when necessary. I can see her monologue being awesome for a show like “Matilda”!
- Lastly, Violet. This is for a confident girl who doesn’t mind using extroverted facial and body expression.
Kids that use one minute monologues from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are setting themselves up for success, for sure. “Matilda” is just one show these one-minute monologues for kids can be used to audition for – other shows that come to mind would be “Oliver” , “Annie”, “James and the Giant Peach”..and ANY of the excellent “Junior” shows that are super popular these days!
The script is available from Dramatic Publishing.
3. Wild and Wacky: 60 One Minute Monologues for Kids (Book)
Oh, how I love this book! I use it all the time for student acting practice, mainly- but the right ones in this book can “speak” to an actor, and there is some excellent material in here for auditions!
Here’s the thing about these one minute monologues: they require lots of imagination, and may be best for more intermediate young actors. You see, these monologues are not age, gender, or situation specific….these monologues are about subjects such as talking toothbrushes, musings over Slinky toys, and other quirky things!
No, these monologues would not work for something more dramatic, but kids’ shows tend to be more lighthearted and cute, so these monologues are worth a look. Hope you find some you like!
Author: L.E. McCullough, available on Amazon
Funny 1 Minute Monologues for Kids
If you or your child are auditioning for a comedic role, you need to find the right short funny monologues for such a specific type of audition. Here are some one-minute comedic monologues for middle schoolers and all age kids to try:
1. “The Loman Family Picnic” by Donald Margulies
This monologue is extremely self-aware. Although the kid giving the monologue might not understand all the jokes, it’s all in the delivery.
2. “The Young Girl and the Monsoon” by James Ryan
In this speech, a young girl laments the weight gain she’ll suffer if she’s forced to eat her father’s greasy broccoli. It’s a conflict that just about any kid (and parent) will understand.
3. You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” by John Gordon and Charles M. Schultz
Here’s a classic monologue for a kid. Charlie Brown self-sabotages his attempts to win over his cute little redhead in this goofy monologue.
4. “The Fifth of July” by Lanford Wilson
In this monologue, the goal is energy. The character, Shirley, has so much excitement as she looks for the future, making it a high-octane, positive, and hilarious choice for kids who want to impress the audition panel.
Easy Monologues for Kids – Get Creative!
Leave no stone unturned in your search for the perfect monologue. No matter what age you are or what kind of role you’re auditioning for (drama or comedy), there are plenty of options to choose from.
Of course, there are countless other monologues 1 minute for kids out there, either in books or scripts. Also, try searching the web for a free short monologue script and you can definitely spend some time exploring and trying things out!
However, I made it a point to list some suggestions that are both tried and true classics, as well as some outside of the box options. Both options are VERY versatile!
Just remember that artistic staff have the one-minute limit for actors because they have so many people to see.
The truth is you can show them exactly who you are in one minute with the right material, so please don’t sweat it!
If you’re truly nervous about your upcoming audition, there’s no harm in getting some advice from your acting teacher or even in signing up for acting lessons for the first time, either.
When it comes down to a kid’s monologue, it is best to opt for something fun. These monologues are definitely just that. Best of luck, and break a leg!