Acting: Solo
Showcase your acting and storytelling skills through the performance of one monologue or two contrasting monologues.
At a Glance
Participants: 1 student
Time Limit: Up to 3 minutes
Prepare: One monologue OR two contrasting monologues
Scenic Elements: Up to one chair
Props: Not permitted
What You'll Prepare
Prepare either:
One monologue, or
Two contrasting monologues
Your complete performance may not exceed 3 minutes.
Selections must come from a published play or musical.
A monologue should consist only of the lines spoken by one character. Lines from multiple characters may not be combined to create a new monologue.
Presenting Two Monologues?
If you choose two monologues, select pieces that allow you to demonstrate different aspects of your acting.
"Contrasting" does not have to mean one comedy and one drama. Contrast might come from differences in character, emotional journey, energy, point of view, physicality, or storytelling style.
Choose material that allows adjudicators to see your range as a performer.
What You May Use
You may use one chair.
You do not have to use a chair.
No additional props, furniture, costumes, or scenic elements may be used.
Selecting Your Material
Your selection must come from a published work written for the theatre, such as a play or musical.
Material from movies, television, novels, short stories, poetry, screenplays, stand-alone monologue collections, or other works not written and published for the theatre should not be used.
Choose material that is appropriate for you as a performer and gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your acting and storytelling skills.
What Adjudicators Look For
Adjudicators will consider:
Characterization: Creating a believable character with clear objectives, emotions, and choices.
Voice: Using projection, articulation, tone, tempo, pitch, and inflection to communicate character and meaning.
Movement & Staging: Using purposeful movement, gestures, facial expressions, and physical choices to support the character and story.
Execution: Maintaining focus and commitment while integrating voice, body, emotion, and storytelling.
Students performing two contrasting monologues will also be evaluated on their ability to create distinct characters and transition effectively between selections.
Review the Adjudication Rubric
ThesFest uses the official Thespy Acting rubric to evaluate this category.
Review the rubric before preparing your performance so you understand the specific skills adjudicators will be looking for.
Before ThesFest
My selection comes from a published theatrical work.
My complete performance is 3 minutes or less.
I reviewed the official rubric.
I practiced my introduction.
I am not using prohibited props or scenic elements.
I reviewed the ThesFest General Adjudication Rules.