Visual and Performing Arts Resources Research Guide

Need some help finding monologues? Here are some tips:

1. Read a play that interests you and locate a monologue from that play. This is probably the best way to locate monologues because it helps you to place the character's words within the context of the entire play.  Please click here for a list of most of the monologue sources in the Mansfield Library.  You can look for plays using the Play Index database. You can access this database from the following list of theatre-related databases. You can also feel free to ask me for help.

2. There are some free web-related resources to help you find monologues as well.  When you find one that you like, locate the title of the play it comes from.  Then, search for the play title in our catalog.  In order to perform your monologue properly, you must locate and read the entire play, not just the monologue. 

• Ace Your Audition
• Actorpoint.com
• Monologue Archive
• Shakespeare's Monologues
• Stage Agent Monologues

3. We also have some print indexes available to help you locate a monologue. When you find a monologue you like, locate the title of the play it comes from.  Then, search for the play title in our catalog.  Again, it is very important that you locate and read the entire play, not just the monologue.

•  Monologue Index: A Guide to 1,778 Monologues from 1,974 Plays-- Call number 808.8245 .S6426
  • This index is organized according to whether or not the play is contemporary or "classic," the age of the character giving the monologue, and by topic or situation. Entries contain a very brief synopsis of the monologue.
•  Ultimate Scene and Monologue Sourcebook-- Call number 808.82x .H748u
  • Part one contains play synopses in alphabetical order by title. Parts two and three are for male and female monologues, respectively. The next three parts are dedicated to scenes including two male characters, or two female characters, or male and female characters. The last part of the book features scenes with three people. The indexes list entries by playwright, by gender of character giving monologue, by age, and by genre.
• Guide to Monologues: Men-- Call number: 808.8245x G946
  • Indexed by genre and then by age of character.
• Guide to Monologues: Women-- Call number: 808.8245x G9462
  • Indexed by genre and then by age of character.