Browse Acting Monologues & Scenes

The Pianist

by Ronald Harwood

A starving Jewish pianist hiding in the ruins of Warsaw is discovered by a German Captain while trying to open a tin of food. After being forced to prove his identity by playing a grand piano, the Captain decides to help him rather than turn him in.

Yellowstone

by Taylor Sheridan

Beth discovers a car seat in Jamie's vehicle, forcing him to admit he has a secret son. The revelation triggers Beth's deep-seated trauma regarding her infertility, leading to a violent confrontation and a chilling vow of revenge against her brother.

Fargo

by Noah Hawley

Loy Cannon and Doctor Senator pitch a revolutionary 'credit card' concept to a dismissive bank president in 1950s Kansas City. Despite the immense potential for profit through interest, the banker rejects the idea based on racial prejudice and a short-sighted view of consumer behavior. The scene highlights the systemic barriers faced by Black entrepreneurs and the irony of a billion-dollar idea being dismissed by a mediocre authority figure.

The Pitt

by R. Scott Gemmill

Robby, a dedicated ER doctor, is confronted by Gloria, a hospital administrator, regarding low patient satisfaction scores. The argument escalates into a heated debate over hospital ethics, understaffing, and the systemic practice of 'boarding' patients in the ER to save money. Robby threatens to go to the press, leading Gloria to issue a veiled threat against his career.

Long Day's Journey Into Night

by Eugene O'Neill

A tense confrontation between a father and son regarding the younger brother's failing health and the family's history of denial. Jamie accuses his father of being a miserly provider who prioritizes real estate over his son's medical care, while Tyrone retaliates by attacking Jamie's lack of ambition and reliance on his father's influence.

Napoleon

by David Scarpa

Napoleon reflects on the devastating toll of his Russian campaign in a letter to Josephine, detailing the loss of men and horses. He grapples with the logistical failures of his army and the waning ambition of his generals as they push toward Moscow.

The Color Purple

by Marcus Gardley

Sofia confronts Celie after discovering that Celie advised Harpo to beat her into submission. The scene explores the cycle of domestic abuse and Sofia's fierce refusal to be broken, contrasting her defiant spirit with Celie's submissive survival. It marks a pivotal moment of realization and empowerment for both women.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore

by J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves

Albus Dumbledore reveals the tragic history of his family to Newt Scamander, confessing the truth about Credence's lineage and the accidental death of his sister, Ariana. The scene explores themes of guilt, regret, and the burden of past mistakes as Dumbledore prepares for the coming conflict with Grindelwald.

After the Hunt

by Nora Garrett

Alma confronts Maggie outside the Yale library, delivering a scathing critique of Maggie's character, privilege, and perceived lack of talent. The tension reaches a breaking point when Alma suggests Maggie lied about a serious incident, leading to a violent physical confrontation.

Yellowstone

by Taylor Sheridan

John Dutton seeks guidance from Senator Lynelle Perry as he struggles to adapt to his new role as Governor. They discuss the political fallout of his daughter's arrest and the strategic dangers of dealing with environmental groups.

Poltergeist

by Steven Spielberg

Dr. Lesh and her colleague Farrow examine physical evidence teleported from a haunted house, transitioning from a moment of professional camaraderie to a chilling realization. Farrow identifies a mortician's jaw clamp among the items, prompting him to suggest they bring in a more powerful medium to handle the escalating supernatural threat.

The Pianist

by Ronald Harwood

In the ruins of Warsaw, a starving Jewish pianist is discovered by a German officer while trying to open a tin of food. Instead of turning him in, the Captain is moved by the man's talent and decides to secretly provide him with food and supplies as the war nears its end.

A Woman of No Importance

by Oscar Wilde

Mrs. Arbuthnot delivers a powerful defense of her life and her devotion to her son, Gerald. She explains the immense sacrifices she made as an unwed mother in a judgmental society, pleading with him to understand that her 'sin' is inseparable from her love for him.

Salomé

by Oscar Wilde

Salomé expresses an obsessive and poetic infatuation with the imprisoned prophet Jokanaan, praising his physical beauty in vivid, sensory detail. Jokanaan fiercely rejects her advances, condemning her as a symbol of corruption and evil. The scene escalates as Salomé's praise turns to insults before she fixates on her ultimate desire to kiss his mouth.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde

Basil Hallward confesses the deep, obsessive influence Dorian Gray has had on his life and artistic vision. He explains why he was originally hesitant to exhibit the portrait, fearing it revealed too much of his own soul and his 'idolatry' of his muse.

Salomé

by Oscar Wilde

Herod, the Tetrarch of Judea, desperately pleads with his stepdaughter Salomé to dance for him, ignoring the protests of his wife Herodias. In his feverish state, he promises Salomé anything she desires, up to half of his kingdom, eventually swearing a sacred oath that seals a grim fate.

Some Literary Notes—V

by Oscar Wilde

The Doge recounts a harrowing spiritual battle where he sacrificed his eternal soul to save Venice from demonic forces. He describes the moment of setting a holy cross on high despite knowing it would seal his damnation, ending in a state of despair where he can no longer pray.

Looper

by Rian Johnson

A young assassin reflects on his future self's memories of a woman who changed his life. He realizes the depth of his future self's sacrifice and decides to embrace his destiny, understanding that he must die to protect the woman he has yet to meet.

Reservoir Dogs

by Quentin Tarantino

Following a botched diamond heist, Mr. Pink arrives at the rendezvous point in a state of panic and paranoia. He tries to convince a shell-shocked Mr. White that their crew was set up by an informant, citing the impossibly fast police response time as proof.

Zulu Dawn

by Cy Endfield, Anthony Storey

Mantshonga delivers a provocative ultimatum from the British authorities to King Cetshwayo, demanding the disbandment of the Zulu army. Cetshwayo defiantly defends his right to rule by Zulu custom and refuses to disarm his people in the face of foreign threats.

The Duchess of Malfi

by John Webster

Antonio and Delio stand among the ruins of an ancient abbey where Antonio is haunted by a supernatural echo that sounds like his murdered wife. Despite the echo's dire warnings and Delio's pleas for caution, Antonio resolves to face his fate and confront the Cardinal. The scene highlights Antonio's grief and the atmospheric, gothic dread preceding the play's final tragedies.

The Pillowman

by Martin McDonagh

In a high-stakes interrogation, Ariel attempts to extract a confession from Michal, a man with a child-like intellect. Michal reveals the disturbing logic behind his crimes, linking them to his brother's macabre stories and their shared history of parental abuse.

A View From the Bridge

by Arthur Miller

Eddie Carbone issues a stern warning to his wife and niece about the extreme dangers of revealing the presence of illegal immigrants in their home. He uses the brutal cautionary tale of Vinny Bolzano to illustrate the social ostracization and violence that awaits anyone who betrays their community to the authorities.

Blue Eye Samurai

by Amber Noizumi, Michael Green

A powerful lord confronts his daughter about her duty to marry for political alliance rather than love. Using a brutal metaphor about a farmer and his pigs, he asserts his control before revealing he may consider the young samurai she actually desires.