30 Second Monologues
Created by Lindsay Price
A monologue unit is an excellent way for students to demonstrate learned skills: vocal skills, movement skills, memorization skills, and character development. It also touches on soft skills such as communication, confidence, and attitude. That being said, monologues are not easy. A typical monologue is two minutes long. That is a lot of text to memorize, block, and develop into an engaging presentation. How often have you sat through a bad monologue performance with little to no characterization, wandering blocking, and a tenuous grasp of the lines?
Performing a monologue is a learned skill. And the best way to learn a skill is in steps. Instead of starting with the end goal—that two-minute piece—start at the beginning. This four-lesson unit will take students up the ladder toward the goal of a longer monologue.
Standards Addressed
National Core Arts Standards
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 7
TH:Pr4.1.7.b - Use various character objectives in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 8
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade HS Proficient
TH:Pr4.1.HSI.b - Shape character choices using given circumstances in a drama/theatre work.
Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work - High School Accomplished
Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation - Grade HS Accomplished
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade 6
TH:Cr3.1.6.a - Articulate and examine choices to refine a devised or scripted drama/theatre work.
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 7
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 7
Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work - Grade 8
TH:Pr6.1.8.a - Perform a rehearsed drama/theatre work for an audience.
Refine new work through play, drama processes and theatre experiences using critical analysis and experimentation - Grade HS Advanced
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade HS Advanced
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