Scenes & Monologs from the Best New Plays

This book is a practical resource for acting and directing students of all ages "€" middle through high school, college and professionals young and old. Its 30 duet scenes and eight monologues include a fair sampling of the late 20th century work of playwrights across the United States. These excerpts are highly original in that few people can claim to have read or seen them performed, though they have all been produced regionally. The gallery of characters contained in these pages offer readers an arresting and kaleidoscopic reflection of American society. The literary styles one encounters here demonstrate the range and power of American writers who will continue to shape theatrical technique for years to come. Overall, this anthology provides a generous sampling of vital and compelling treatments of our social, artistic and spiritual experiences of the late 20th century.

Forty-two selections from thirty-eight of the best new plays, culled from around the country, address the major trends and conflicts of today through revealing glimpses of society as we know it. Scenes are varied in tone and content, with humor, pathos, reflection, poignancy, angst and other qualities for dramatic expression. Included are the works of thirty-two contemporary American playwrights, including stellar new names like Mark Medoff, Wendy Hammond, David Henry Hwang and Chaim Potok. Scenes are short for auditioning ease - no longer than ten minutes. A must for every auditioning actor, theatre student or drama aficionado. Contents: Introduction, Scenes for Two Men, Scenes for Two Women, Scenes for a Man and a Woman, Monologs for Women, Monologs for Men, Resource Texts, Credits.