Browse Acting Monologues & Scenes

Arcadia

by Tom Stoppard

A young, precocious student, Thomasina, questions her tutor, Septimus, about the irreversibility of stirring jam into rice pudding, leading to a philosophical discussion about free will, determinism, and the nature of God. Thomasina grapples with complex scientific and philosophical concepts, while Septimus attempts to guide her understanding.

The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes

by Billy Wilder, I.A.L Diamond

Sherlock Holmes reveals his deduction that the legendary Loch Ness Monster is actually a mechanical submersible. He explains the scientific evidence to a skeptical Watson and a concerned Gabrielle, linking the mystery to her missing husband and a shadowy organization.

Burke & Hare

by Piers Ashworth, Nick Moorcroft

Dr. Knox delivers a rousing lecture on the rapid advancement of the 19th century while a montage reveals the grim reality of Burke and Hare's body-snatching business. As Knox praises the 'enlightened times,' the duo struggles to keep up with his demand for fresh corpses, unaware that the militia is beginning to investigate the rising number of missing persons. The scene juxtaposes high-minded scientific ambition with the gritty, criminal labor that fuels it.

His Dark Materials

by Jack Thorne

Lyra confronts her uncle, Lord Asriel, as he prepares to depart for the North, pleading for him to stay or take her with him. Asriel remains emotionally distant and dismissive, prioritizing his scientific mission over their relationship while Lyra struggles to find a connection through a story about kindness.

Us

by David Nicholls

During a 1995 dinner party, a young, socially awkward scientist named Douglas tries to flirt with Connie while navigating a hostile conversation with Jake, an arrogant trapeze artist. The scene reaches a boiling point when Douglas uses a gruesome hypothetical medical scenario to defend the necessity of scientific intervention against Jake's anti-science rhetoric.

The Eye of the Dolphin

by Alan Shapiro

A dedicated marine scientist grapples with the pressure of saving his research facility from corporate development. He struggles to reconcile his cold, scientific data with the emotional and spiritual arguments needed to stop the destruction of the local ecosystem.

The Eye of the Dolphin

by Michael Sellers

Alyssa expresses her frustration over her father's inability to understand her connection to dolphins and her emotional needs. Tamika offers a bridge of understanding, explaining Hawk's logical perspective and his underlying fears as a new father. The scene explores the emotional gap between a grieving teenager and a scientifically-minded parent.

Poor Things

by Tony McNamara

Bella informs her creator and father figure, Baxter, of her intention to run away with the rakish Duncan Wedderburn to experience the world. She challenges Baxter's control over her, demanding her independence while navigating her burgeoning sense of self and desire for adventure. The stakes involve Bella's personal autonomy versus Baxter's protective, scientific paternalism.

Poor Things

by Tony McNamara

Bella Baxter explains the scientific markings on her thighs to a bewildered Duncan Wedderburn during a sexual encounter. Her blunt, clinical honesty regarding a previous encounter with another man causes Duncan to abruptly lose interest and leave the room.

Poor Things

by Tony McNamara

Bella returns home to find her creator, Baxter 'God' Godwin, on his deathbed. She confronts him with difficult questions regarding her true biological origins and the existence of a child, forcing him to reveal the scientific truth of her resurrection.

2012

by Roland Emmerich, Harald Kloser

President Wilson addresses the G8 leaders in a private session to deliver a world-altering revelation. He must command the room and set aside diplomatic formalities to announce the scientifically confirmed end of the world.

Asteroid City

by Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola

Augie reflects on his late wife's vibrant personality and scientific curiosity while speaking to his son, Woodrow. He struggles to articulate the depth of his grief and the surreal feeling of still sensing her presence in the quiet moments of the night.

Asteroid City

by Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola

Dr. Hickenlooper enthusiastically explains the rare phenomenon of an Astronomical Ellipses to a gathered crowd. She balances scientific jargon with personal anecdotes, revealing her own permanent retinal damage from a childhood observation that sparked her career in astronomy.

Waiting for Godot

by Samuel Beckett

Lucky, a silent and burdened servant, is commanded to 'think' by his master Pozzo. He delivers a frantic, stream-of-consciousness torrent of philosophical and scientific jargon that eventually devolves into a repetitive breakdown about the decline of man and the coldness of the universe.