Acting 1111 - : Finding Monologues and Plays

The parameters for the assignment (most course sections, if not all) are as follows:

• The monologue cannot be “stand alone,” but must be taken from an actual play.

  • Student will need to get a copy of the full play/script via the catalog, I-Share or the New Play Exchange database. 

• The play should have been written sometime within the student’s life.

• The character in the play should reflect the students:

  • Age

  • Race

  • Gender

Please see your instructor if you have questions about the assignment.  

If you need additional assistance, contact Ken Orenic, library liaison to Theatre, or COD Library Reference Services. 

Step One: Find a Monologue

1. See the "Stage Monologues" books located on the 2nd floor of the COD Library in the PN 2080 section (ask a librarian to help you find the section - they are nice people who are happy to help you :).  Look for the books that were written since you were born.   
2. Review the monologues in the book, and find a few of interest that feature character ages that are close to your own.  

 

Step Two:  Find the Play from which the monologue was written

1. Do a search in New Play Exchange for the play.  You might be able to download it there.  (see below for instructions on how to use this resource). 
2. Search the Library Catalog.   Enter the name of the play using quotation marks, for example "the amish project," and select "All I-Share Libraries" from the top of the screen.  Note that you may need to request the book from I-Share.  It's simple, easy and quick; all you need is your MyAccess username and password.    You can always ask for help online or in person.  
3. 

Step Three:  Find a play by browsing in New Play Exchange.

You can browse New Play Exchange for plays using specific filters such as age, race, and other factors, and then review the plays for a suitable monologue.  More information on using New Play Exchange is below. 

You can use New Play Exchange in several ways.

 

1. Know the name of a play or playwright?

• Enter the name of the play or the playwright in the search box.  That's it!

2. Start by finding a monologue from our COD/I-Share collection, and then search for the full play/script in New Play Exchange 

• Find monologues in one of the monologue books (you can search the book catalog, or just head over to the PN2080 section on the second floor of the library.  Don't know where that is?  Just ask a librarian.
• Type the name of the play you found in a monologue book into the search box in New Play Exchange.  
• Once you find a play, click on the title of the play in New Play Exchange.  From here you'll see a "Download" button.  Click it to get the full text of the play.  
• Note that not all plays will be listed or available in full text - ask Ken or another librarian for assistance in getting a copy of the play if it's available.  

3. Browse and filter results for plays

Go to New Play Exchange and click on "Search" at the top of the screen.

From here, you can filter by:

• Length of play
• Age Appropriateness
• Genre
• Subject Matter Keyword - type in a word or two that might be of interest, i.e., "Music" "Mermaids" "Monsters" etc.  
• Script availability (Make sure to check that box!!) 
• Find scripts for specific actor(s)
  • Sort by race
  • Gender
  • Age 
• Sexual Identity 
• Location 

 

Example: In New Play Exchange - 

1. Click on Search

 

 

 

 

 

2. Select "Full scripts available for download" 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Select your filters