Browse Acting Monologues & Scenes

Arcadia

by Tom Stoppard

A young, precocious girl questions her tutor about the meaning of "carnal embrace," leading to a humorous and revealing discussion about sex, mathematics, and a local scandal. The tutor attempts to deflect her curiosity while she persistently seeks a true understanding of the world.

Breakfast on Pluto

by Neil Jordan, Patrick McCabe

Patrick reflects on his relationship with the church and Father Bernard while preparing to confront the priest about the identity of his mother. He navigates the tension between his fabricated scandalous confessions and the heavy, unspoken truth of his abandonment.

Veronica Mars

by Rob Thomas, Diane Ruggiero-Wright

Veronica Mars interviews for a position at a prestigious law firm, where she is grilled about her past as a teenage private investigator. The tension rises as the interviewers bring up her father's legal troubles and a scandalous personal video to test her composure. Veronica must demonstrate that her investigative instincts are an asset rather than a liability while maintaining her professional cool.

A Very British Scandal: Duchess of Argyll

by Sarah Phelps

While getting manicures, Maureen delivers a thinly veiled insult to Margaret by comparing her sexual reputation to the behavior of Bonobo apes. Margaret maintains her composure and delivers a sharp, cutting rebuttal that highlights Maureen's own insecurities and lack of prowess.

A Very English Scandal

by Russell T Davies

Jeremy Thorpe enters Norman's room late at night, asserting his dominance through a mixture of mock-affection and intimidation. Norman is vulnerable and overwhelmed by the attention, leading to a manipulative sexual encounter where Jeremy maintains absolute control.

Julie (After Strindberg)

by Polly Stenham

Kristina confronts Julie about the inherent power imbalance and betrayal in their relationship, moving beyond the immediate sexual scandal to the deeper class-based exploitation. She expresses the pain of losing the 'dignity' she carefully maintained through a shared pretense of equality that has now been shattered.

A Very English Scandal

by Russell T Davies

Jeremy Thorpe and Peter Bessell discuss the existential threat posed by Norman Scott's public admissions of his homosexuality. As the conversation turns dark, Jeremy coldly proposes that the only way to protect their political careers and reputations is to have Norman killed.

A Very British Scandal: Duchess of Argyll

by Sarah Phelps

Margaret visits her mother, Helen, who uses her physical frailty and sharp tongue to undermine Margaret's confidence and judge her affair with the Duke of Argyll. The scene highlights a toxic mother-daughter dynamic where affection is withheld and replaced by critiques of appearance and moral standing. Margaret attempts to assert her happiness but is ultimately silenced by her mother's manipulative vulnerability.

El Cantante

by Leon Ichaso, David Darmstaedter, Todd Anthony Bello

Hector returns home seeking reconciliation and validation from his estranged father, who remains cold and judgmental regarding Hector's past scandals. The scene explores the deep-seated pain of familial rejection and Hector's desperate plea for paternal love before he finally chooses to walk away.

VEEP PILOT

by Barry Luc

Vice President Selina Meyer and her staff panic in a car while attempting to manage a PR disaster involving an ableist slur. The scene highlights the team's cynical incompetence as they debate whether to let one scandal overshadow another while Selina struggles to deliver a sincere apology over the phone.

Tár

by Todd Field

Sharon confronts Lydia Tár about the mounting public scandals and her pattern of infidelity, exposing the power dynamics of their marriage. Sharon demands respect for her role in Tár's professional ascent while Tár attempts to deflect with intellectual arrogance. The scene highlights the collapse of their domestic stability and the transactional nature of their partnership.

Fleabag

by Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Fleabag attempts to secure a small business loan for her guinea pig-themed cafe. The meeting goes disastrously wrong when a wardrobe mishap is misinterpreted by the bank manager as a sexual proposition in a post-harassment-scandal climate.