10 Dramatic Monologues for Women

Ah, the monologue! Once upon a time, it was a staple for any theatrical audition to be able to deliver one, and though that is becoming less and less the case over time, you never know when you are going to be called upon to stand up and give one. Fortunately, there are many dramatic monologues to choose from, including some of the best movie monologues that have elevated films to iconic status, but it can be harder to find dramatic monologues for women.

Before you can select a monologue for an audition or demo reel, let’s break down some of the basics.

In this article

1. Introduction to Dramatic Monologues
2. The Power of Movie Monologues
3. Empowering Monologues
4. What Should I Look For in a Dramatic Monologue?
5. Start With These Dramatic Monologues for Women
6. “Thou Knowest the Mask of Night” Romeo and Juliet
7. “No, Mom, Please! I Have to Say This” The Glass Menagerie
8. “It’ll Sound Silly” The Children
9. “What Could You Possibly Have to Tell Me?” Ivanov
10. “Well, Tommy Proposed to Me Again” An Ideal Husband
11. “No Bathrooms for Me Here” Hidden Figures
12. “I Haven’t a Real Passport” The Cherry Orchard
13. “No — It Happened to Me” Enigma
14. “My Name’s Not Violett” Alcott
15. “I Know You’re Probably Mad at Me for Leaving Before the Funeral” The Pretty Theft
16. Tips for Performing Monologues
17. To Wrap Up

Introduction to Dramatic Monologues

A dramatic monologue is a powerful speech delivered by a character in a play, film, or other performance, revealing their innermost thoughts, feelings or backstory. This form of monologue is a crucial tool for conveying important information, unveiling character traits and advancing the plot. Dramatic monologues can be found across various media, including movies, plays, and television shows. They create a sense of intimacy and immediacy, allowing the audience to connect deeply with the character. Whether it’s a heart-wrenching confession or a moment of profound realization, a well-executed dramatic monologue can leave a lasting impact on the audience.

The Power of Movie Monologues

Movie monologues have an unparalleled ability to leave a lasting impression on audiences. These powerful speeches can evoke strong emotions, foster empathy, and challenge perspectives. A well-crafted movie monologue can make a film unforgettable, embedding itself in popular culture. Iconic examples include Miranda Priestly’s cutting cerulean sweater speech in The Devil Wears Prada and Katherine Johnson’s impassioned plea for equality in Hidden Figures. These monologues not only entertain but also inspire and educate, showcasing the profound impact a single character’s words can have on the audience.

Empowering Monologues

Empowering monologues are those that inspire and uplift, often featuring strong female characters who speak their truth and stand up for what they believe in. These monologues can be found in films like The Princess Diaries, where Anne Hathaway’s character Mia Thermopolis finds her voice and transforms into a confident leader. Monologues like this resonate with audiences, offering messages of strength, resilience and empowerment.

What Should I Look For in a Dramatic Monologue?

A voice actor needs to find a dramatic monologue that highlights their distinct vocal traits and range. Countless jobs in the acting industry can hinge on the impact of a well-delivered monologue. It should be packed with emotion, giving them the chance to express different feelings. They should also think about the character’s age, background and personality since these elements will shape their vocal delivery. The monologue needs to be challenging, allowing them to show off their technical abilities while telling a gripping story. In the end, the ideal choice is a piece that resonates with the actor and that they can perform genuinely.

Start With These Dramatic Monologues for Women

Female voice actors can always use a monologue written for a male voice, but if you’re looking for something created with a feminine voice in mind, consider one of these dramatic monologues for women.

“Thou Knowest the Mask of Night” Romeo and Juliet

You know there can’t be a list of great dramatic or comedic monologues for women without William Shakespeare coming up at some point. So if you want to express the soul of young, foolish love and you’re looking for a classical monologue, this sample from Romeo and Juliet is an excellent choice. Depending on your delivery, it runs for about a minute and a half to two minutes.

“No, Mom, Please! I Have to Say This” The Glass Menagerie

It seems like The Glass Menagerie by American playwright Tennessee Williams is one of those plays everyone learns about in high school, and there’s a good reason for that. The character’s reflections often bring to mind the emotional intensity and attraction that a beautiful woman can evoke, much like Viola in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. This contemporary monologue runs for about two minutes and plays a lot on rage and sorrow with building points in between.

Of course, the entire point of the play is illusion becoming reality, but with that considered, this is more grounded than the first example on this list.

“It’ll Sound Silly” The Children

All of the female monologues so far have been for young women and teenagers. This one was written by Lucy Kirkwood — a British playwright and screenwriter — with a woman over 60 in mind. In her reflections, she contemplates how love and societal expectations can be disillusioning’.

In The Children, Rose is an eccentric character, and this contemporary monologue is very wistful and serious. It might be a good choice if you’re looking for something subtle with a run time of about a minute and a half. It’s whimsical and manages to be a bit sad at the same time.

“What Could You Possibly Have to Tell Me?” Ivanov

The core of this monologue from Anton Chekhov’s Ivanov one is defiance. There’s no conceivable way the character will let anyone dictate her path, showcasing her determination and resilience. But, again, it’s another good monologue for adult women when you just want to vent. The run time is about a minute and a half, as it has been for most of these, but it’s suitable for building vitriol into your delivery without becoming crass.

“Well, Tommy Proposed to Me Again” An Ideal Husband

If you’re looking for dramatic monologues for women that will make the audience laugh while still being able to flex your acting range, this monologue from Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband is an excellent choice. The word choice is just so perfect for the sheer amount of exasperation the speaker must feel, ending with the perfect punch line. The character’s reflections on relationships also highlight the importance of good friends, emphasizing the emotional connections and loyalty developed among individuals.

“No Bathrooms for Me Here” Hidden Figures

This monologue in the 2016 film Hidden Figures is part of a pivotal scene that highlights the racial segregation and discrimination faced by Black women in the United States during the 1960s. Katherine Johnson, played by Taraji P. Henson, delivers the monologue with raw emotion, expressing her frustration and defiance at being denied basic human rights.

The scene is a stark contrast to the high-stakes work she is doing as a mathematician at NASA, contributing to the success of the Apollo 11 mission. The monologue serves as a powerful reminder of the historical injustices faced by marginalized groups and the importance of fighting for equality.

“I Haven’t a Real Passport” The Cherry Orchard

There’s a lot of room to read this monologue from Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard the way you want to, with different shades of how it can be delivered. The character’s reflections on her economic struggles — much like the”No Bathrooms for Me Here” scene in Hidden Figures where Katherine emphasizes she cannot afford pearls — could add depth to her feelings.

The character’s feelings about what she’s saying from the words themselves could be more prominent. So if you’re looking for something that you could play either comically or dramatically that’s on the short side (inside of a minute), Charlotte’s monologue might be what you’re looking for.

“No — It Happened to Me” Enigma

This monologue from the one-act play by Floyd Dell is jaded and on the longer side at about two and a half minutes. A woman talks about falling in love and the bitterness that comes after it fails. 

Though it tends to be a generally quieter, dramatic monologue, there is much room for emotion. If you’re trying to show off your control, it’s an excellent choice.

“My Name’s Not Violett” Alcott

This monologue from Adam Szymkowicz’s Alcott is the snapping point of someone who speaks softly. In this moment, the character reflects on their identity, realizing it’s “not just me” but also about considering others. It’s about a minute and a half long and packed full of opportunities for anger and frustration.

There are excellent opportunities to make use of your pauses here and a clear target for who you can imagine talking to that makes this a fun exercise and a good choice for a monologue.

“I Know You’re Probably Mad at Me for Leaving Before the Funeral” The Pretty Theft

In another recommendation from Adam Szymkowicz, this monologue is another excellent piece that builds from something subtle into big emotions and makes for a good audition piece. Understanding the character’s place in the world can add depth to your performance, highlighting their journey and the broader societal context they navigate.

This one is about two and a half minutes long, so it’s on the longer side of this list. If you’re looking for something you can swing between very sad or very angry, this monologue from The Pretty Theft is a solid choice.

Tips for Performing Monologues

Performing a monologue can be a daunting task, but with practice and preparation, it can become a powerful tool for actors to showcase their talent. Here are some tips for delivering a memorable monologue:

• Choose a Monologue That Resonates: Select a piece that speaks to you and aligns with your character.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your monologue until you feel confident and comfortable with the material.
• Connect with Your Character: Understand your character’s emotions and backstory. Know what motivates them and what they aim to achieve.
• Use Your Body and Voice: Convey your character’s emotions and intentions through your physicality and vocal delivery.
• Engage with Your Audience: Make eye contact and connect with your audience to draw them into your performance.
• Take Risks and Be Vulnerable: A good monologue performance requires openness and honesty. Don’t be afraid to take emotional risks.

By following these tips and dedicating time to practice, you can deliver a powerful and memorable monologue that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

To Wrap Up

The right dramatic monologue can be a powerful tool to showcase an actor’s talent and versatility. By carefully selecting pieces that resonate with their unique qualities and aspirations, actors can create memorable performances that leave a lasting impression on audiences. Whether it’s a classic text or a contemporary piece, the key is to choose a monologue that allows the actor to shine and connect with the character on a deep emotional level.