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monologue
Comedy-Drama

Gillian's Secret Crush

from Dags

Written by Debra Oswald

Gillian confesses her deep, unrequited crush on the popular boy Adam. She describes the lengths she goes to just to be near him and the elaborate romantic fantasies she constructs in her head.

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GILLIAN

All right. I'm going to admit something I never thought I'd admit to anyone ever. I've got a crush on Adam. Head over heels. Uncontrollable passion, etcetera. Unrequited passion, of course. Now I know this sounds like I'm throwing away everything I've said so far. And I guess I am. I know every girl at school except Monica is in love with him. I…

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Scene Notes & Audition Tips

5 sections
About This Scene

This two-minute monologue features Gillian, a young woman under eighteen, as she bravely confesses a deeply personal secret. Set in a contemporary period, the scene unfolds with a vulnerable tone, revealing Gillian's unrequited infatuation with a popular boy named Adam. She elaborates on her elaborate fantasies and the secret efforts she makes to be near him, offering a glimpse into the complex emotional world of a teenager experiencing first love.

Character Analysis

Gillian is a character defined by her vulnerability and her intense, though unreciprocated, feelings of infatuation. She perceives herself as a "dag," making her crush on the popular Adam all the more poignant and seemingly impossible in her eyes. Her internal world is rich with romantic imaginings, contrasting sharply with her outward self-perception and the social hierarchy of high school. This portrayal offers a nuanced look at adolescent self-doubt and the quiet passion of unexpressed affection.

Why This Works for Auditions

"Gillian's Secret Crush" is an excellent choice for auditions due to its manageable two-minute length and the clear emotional arc it presents. The monologue provides ample opportunity to showcase a performer's ability to convey vulnerability, internal conflict, and the subtle nuances of unrequited love, all within the relatable context of a high school setting. Its comedic-drama genre allows for a balanced display of both relatable awkwardness and heartfelt emotion.

Best Suited For

This monologue is particularly well-suited for young female actors aiming for roles that require a nuanced portrayal of teenage innocence, introspection, or the "Girl Next Door" archetype. It's ideal for drama school auditions, self-tapes, or general practice where the actor needs to demonstrate a strong grasp of character development and emotional honesty. Actresses seeking to demonstrate their capability in vulnerable or ingenue roles will find this piece highly effective.

Performance Tips

When approaching Gillian, focus on her internal battle between the thrill of her crush and her perceived inadequacy. Allow her self-deprecating humor to shine through, but ensure it's rooted in genuine insecurity rather than just a comedic device. Pay close attention to the shifts in her emotional landscape, moving from bashful confession to the fervent descriptions of her fantasies, always maintaining the underlying sense of vulnerability that defines her. Explore the subtext of her yearning and the unspoken hope that lies beneath her resigned acceptance of unrequited love.

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