Millennium Monologs: 95 Contemporary Characterizations for Young Actors [Paperback]

Gerald Lee Ratliff (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2002

Gerald Lee Ratliff has done it again! This, his latest book of monologues is a fresh collection of the new voices of the twenty-first century. This anthology of 95 monologues from contemporary writers is broken up into four sections: Hope and Longing; Spirit and Soul; Fun and Fantasy and Doubt and Despair. Also includes chapters on scene study and audition techniques. An excellent theatre sourcebook for teachers, students and professionals.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-These selections were taken from works by well-known and less-familiar playwrights, such as Arthur Miller, Wendy Wasserstein, Steve Martin, and Ntozake Shange. The pieces are not for the fainthearted, as many address dark and rough subjects. Divided into thematic sections such as "Voices of Hope and Longing" and "Voices of Fantasy and Fun," each section begins with direct advice regarding the speeches to come. Pieces vary in weight and length; each one has a brief introduction, often with comments, sometimes quite specific, on interpretation. Lines are numbered for easy reference. In spite of the title, scenes are included as well. The 12-page introduction on the audition process is aimed at beginning actors. There is good advice about stage fright and audition behavior. However, a "classical" selection here is defined as a script written in verse rather than as a work that features the formal use of figurative or poetic language.
Cris Riedel, Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School, Dansville, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 8-12. This fine collection of American monologues is notable for its diversity as well as for the high quality of the material. From Mark Twain to Anna Deavere Smith, entries include many ethnicities and situations ranging over the past century. Ratliff groups the monologues not by time period, as is generally done, but by themes, such as "Hope and Longing," "Spirit and Soul," and "Fantasy and Fun." Although this may make browsing more difficult, it also will bring readers to monologues they might have missed. Brief introductions describe the setting of each entry, and clear, broadly spaced text with numbered lines makes for easy reading. The lengthy introduction and discussion of audition techniques may be a little technical for the high-school actor, and there are a few parts intended for persons 40 or older. But most truly are for the young actor and will prove a boon for thespians searching for a fresh, new monologue that has not been done to death. Debbie Carton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Meriwether Publishing; 1 edition (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1566080827
• ISBN-13: 978-1566080828
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #835,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gerald Lee Ratliff is a popular speaker at national English and theatre conferences who conducts interactive workshops in performances approaches to text interpretation and analysis. His textbooks are frequently included in recommended reading lists for high schools as well as colleges and universities.He is also a frequent consultant for higher education program development and administrative approaches to institutional transformation strategies.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A diverse selection especially suitable for auditions, March 4, 2003

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Millennium Monologs: 95 Contemporary Characterizations for Young Actors (Paperback)

Compiled and edited by Gerald Lee Ratliff, Millennium Monologs is an impressive collection of ninety-five contemporary monologue characterizations drawn from a vast variety of authors, including both established playwrights and up-and-coming new talents. Each monolog is quite suitable for either male and female actors of all ages and races. A diverse selection especially suitable for auditions and personal training in the art of acting, Millennium Monologs is a welcome and recommended addition to personal, professional, school, community theater, and public library collections.