20 Monologues for Young Actors
Classic stories. Fresh voices. Powerful performances.
Step into worlds filled with magic, adventure, humor, courage, friendship, and heart.
20 Monologues for Young Actors brings beloved fairytale and classic-story characters to life through engaging monologues created specifically for young performers.
Inspired by fairytales & classic stories, crafted especially for young actors.
Why Young Actors Will Love This Collection
20 Unique Monologues
A Variety of Characters
Strong Emotional Experiences
Great for Young Performers
ABOUT THE BOOK
A New Way to See Familiar Stories
Finding strong audition material for young actors can be difficult. This collection offers young performers a chance to step inside recognizable stories while discovering new sides of familiar characters.
From The Wolf who would rather play music than hunt, to Gretel wondering whether she really wants to return to ordinary life, each monologue gives a familiar character a new perspective.
The collection includes characters from stories such as The Three Little Pigs, Hansel & Gretel, Snow White, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, and Jack and the Beanstalk, alongside original interpretations of these classic worlds.
The manuscript explains that the collection was created for young actors ages 8+ and can be used for auditions, acting classes, or performance in a classroom setting.
Great Stories. Stronger Voices.
Every monologue gives a young performer an opportunity to explore a character, discover an emotion, and tell a story in their own voice.
Explore the Monologues
The Wolf
What if the traditional villain doesn’t actually want to be the villain?
The Wolf dreams of staying home, playing the flute, and avoiding the expectations of a hungry wolf family. This monologue explores identity, family pressure, and the struggle to belong.
Gretel
After surviving the adventure of Hansel and Gretel, Gretel discovers that returning home may not be as simple as she expected.
She has experienced a world beyond her cottage door—and part of her wonders whether ordinary life is enough anymore.
The Little Pig
After the events of The Three Little Pigs, one sibling looks back with regret.
The Little Pig realizes the importance of patience, responsibility, and appreciating the efforts of others.
The Witch
Not every witch is the villain.
This witty monologue gives the Witch an opportunity to challenge the stereotypes surrounding her while revealing a surprisingly kind and humorous character.
Snow White
What if Snow White doesn’t want to be rescued?
This monologue imagines a Snow White with her own dreams, wishes, independence, and opinions about what happens next.
Wendy
Wendy has become the Little Mother of the Lost Boys in Neverland.
Behind her responsibility and care for everyone else is a young girl who misses her own mother and wonders if she still needs someone to care for her, too.
Bailey
Bailey wants attention.
There is just one problem: Bailey is a dog.
A playful and funny monologue about wanting to be noticed, getting what you need, and the special relationship between a child and their pet.
Pepper
Pepper is a cat who is accustomed to being in charge.
When a new puppy arrives, Pepper’s carefully controlled world is turned upside down. Beneath the frustration and attitude, however, Pepper may discover something unexpected: friendship.
Little Red
Little Red would much rather stay home with her book and cat.
But when her grandmother needs help, she must find the courage to leave her cozy world and enter the woods.
This monologue explores fear, courage, family, and finding strength within yourself.
Taylor
Taylor is struggling with the loss of their mother.
A classroom discussion about mothers in fairytales brings feelings of grief, fear, and loneliness to the surface. Taylor’s story explores how familiar stories can sometimes help us understand our own experiences.
Drizella
Cinderella’s stepsister gets a chance to tell her own story.
Drizella struggles between selfishness, family expectations, guilt, compassion, and sadness for Cinderella.
The Scarecrow
The Scarecrow longs for companionship.
Although he seems to live a small and lonely life in a field, he dreams of friendship and discovering what life might hold beyond his familiar surroundings.
The Frog
Once a selfish and vain prince, the Frog is learning humility.
Now transformed, he dreams of breaking the spell and becoming the kind of person who deserves to be loved.
Tim
From A Christmas Carol, Tim represents hope and resilience.
Even when life is difficult, he finds happiness in small blessings and keeps looking toward the light.
Alice
Alice remembers Wonderland with longing.
Now caught between two worlds, she misses the excitement and adventure she experienced there and wonders whether ordinary life is enough.
The Wizard
Behind the curtain is someone much more complicated than he appears.
The Wizard struggles with insecurity and guilt while wondering whether providing comfort and hope can be valuable—even when the magic isn’t quite what people expect.
13.
Terry the Tortoise
Winning the race changed everything.
Terry becomes unexpectedly famous after defeating the Rabbit, but fame brings expectations and pressure. This monologue explores the desire for a quieter life and the weight of other people’s expectations.
The Magic Mirror
The Magic Mirror is more than a reflective surface.
It is a voice of wisdom trapped in a role that limits its potential. The Mirror longs to be valued for knowledge and kindness rather than simply being asked who is the fairest.
Jack
Jack returns from the world at the top of the beanstalk with more than gold.
He struggles with regret over what he did and questions whether the giants were truly monsters—or whether there was another side to the story.
Thumbelina
Thumbelina must choose between adventure and staying behind to help a friend.
When a swallow is injured, Thumbelina faces a difficult decision: follow the promise of finding where she belongs or stay and help someone who needs her.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meet Marieke Gaboury
Marieke Gaboury serves as Director of Theatre Operations for Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.
She is a theatre administrator, producer, teaching artist, director, playwright, and actress who is passionate about supporting the next generation of young theatre artists.
Supporting the Next Generation
Through her work in theatre, Marieke brings together creativity, performance, education, and storytelling to create opportunities for young performers.
20 Monologues for Young Actors reflects that commitment by giving young actors characters they can explore, understand, and make their own.
Testimonials
Every Young Actor Has a Story to Tell
Discover 20 memorable characters, fresh perspectives, and powerful monologues designed to help young performers explore their imagination and find their voice.
