So, you’re looking to sharpen your acting chops but find yourself flying solo? No worries! Practicing acting alone can be super productive, and believe it or not, a lot of fun. It can be a powerful exercise in using your imagination, and the best part is: you can do it anywhere, and at anytime! Let’s dive into some awesome scripts to practice acting alone, no partner needed.
Monologues are the bread and butter of solo acting practice. They’re perfect for honing your skills in delivering lines with emotion and intention. Here’s a couple to get you started:
Why not start with the master? Shakespeare’s monologues are timeless. Try Hamlet’s “To be, or not to be” for a taste of existential angst, or Portia’s “The quality of mercy” speech from “The Merchant of Venice” for something more persuasive and eloquent. There are lots of great websites and books on Shakespeare, and if you’re more inclined to do classical acting, there’s no better author to start with than the Bard himself.
Looking for something more modern? Well, this being an acting website, we do have to toot our own horn here because we provide free monologues and scripts to practice acting alone. Just search our monologue database for monologues that fit your type.
Grab a script from your favorite movie or TV show and pick a scene with a solid character monologue. It’s a great way to challenge yourself with different genres and styles. The only thing is, using famous monologues and scenes from shows is not the best for preparing for auditions, since you might be compared to the performances they know from the screen. However, it doesn’t hurt to practice with them, especially if it gets you excited about working on your acting.
For drama, look no further than “Breaking Bad.” Walter White’s monologues are intense and complex. Or, how about “The Crown”? Queen Elizabeth II’s speeches offer a mix of poise and depth.
If comedy is more your thing, “The Office” is a treasure trove. Michael Scott’s off-the-wall monologues are both hilarious and challenging. “Fleabag” also offers some quirky and sharp monologues that are a joy to perform.
Why not write your own script? It’s an excellent way to flex your creative muscles and tailor a piece to your strengths. Plus, it’s super rewarding to bring your own words to life.
Draw from your life experiences to create a monologue that’s uniquely yours. Maybe it’s a funny story from your childhood or a poignant moment from your life. This can also help your acting as well, and even help you understand method acting.
Let your imagination run wild. Create a character, set the scene, and write a monologue that takes us on a journey into your world. This doesn’t have to be realistic. Think of shows that take place in space, the Wild West, etc.
Alright, you’ve got your scripts. Now what? Here are some quick tips to make the most of your solo practice:
Get to know the character and the story behind the monologue. It’ll help you deliver it with the right emotion and intention. The best way to do this is by reading the whole play it’s from. For our monologues, we offer the option to buy the whole play that the monologue or scene is from. You can get a broader context and understand a character’s motivations better this way.
Play around with different ways to deliver the lines. Try different emotions, tones, and even accents. See what feels right and what surprises you. Even see what feels wrong and ask yourself why.
Record your performance and watch it back. It’s a great way to see what’s working and what you can improve. This can be especially helpful for developing on-camera technique, as you can see if you have any distracting habits.
If you can, get some feedback from friends or fellow actors. Sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can offer valuable insights. Ask a trusted friend to swap monologue tapings with you, if you feel safe enough to do that. Or if you’re in acting school, ask a professor their thoughts.
Practicing acting alone doesn’t have to feel like a solo journey in the desert. With the right scripts and a bit of creativity, you can turn it into a fun, enriching experience that sharpens your skills and builds your confidence. So grab a script, find your space, and let your solo acting adventure begin! Break a leg!
