Creating Your Own Monologue

• Clear how-tos for writing unique material, from monologues to one-person shows

• Empowering, enlightening, easy to use

• Replaces ISBN 1-58115-038-5

In the second edition of this popular guide, actors learn to use their skills to write monologues, performance art pieces, and one-person plays. Updated to include exclusive interviews and tips on marketing, this guide helps actors create their own exciting performance opportunities and follow in the footsteps of Elaine Stritch, Billy Crystal, John Leguizamo, and other stunningly successful writer-performers of one-person shows. The author, an award-winning actor, breaks down the writing process into simple steps, coaching the reader through each stage of the creative journey.

Library Journal

Beginning with a brief history of the one-person show, the author, himself an accomplished playwright, screenwriter, and actor, has written a comprehensive manual for anyone interested in preparing and producing their own solo performance piece. Chapters cover how to begin writing your own monolog, different types of solo material, fundamentals of a good monolog, creating characters and rehearsing, and performing and marketing your show. Included are samples of monologs and interviews with performance artists and directors, among them Quentin Crisp, Penny Arcade, Spalding Gray, Danny Hoch, and Kate Clinton. Useful appendixes cover lists of artists' colonies, theaters that accept solo material, publishers, competitions, agents, and tips on applying for grants. Well organized and clearly written, this book can be recommended for public, high school, and academic libraries.--Howard E. Miller, Rosary H.S., St. Louis Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

Glenn Alterman, a playwright, screenwriter, author, and actor, is also one of the country’s foremost monologue and audition coaches. He has written several books, including Promoting Your Acting Career. He lives in New York City.