5 Benefits of Learning a 5 to 10 Minute Monologue

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So you’re interested in learning a 5-minute to 10-minute monologue! Great! Shorter monologues are perfect for many things, such as auditions, showcases, reels, videos, and you can find monologues of that length here: comedic monologues and dramatic monologues. But if you’re considering learning a longer monologue, check out my 3-10 minute monologues here. And peruse some of the benefits to learning a monologue of this length below!

Five (5) benefits of learning a longer (5-10 minute) monologue:

  1. Improving your skills: A monologue of this length can be a great way to improve your acting skills and really delve into a role and character. You’ll have the opportunity to dissect the monologue into beats, moments, wants and practice your directorial inclinations to bring the piece to life. You’ll have the chance to work on stamina, memorization and commanding a room on your own. It will be challenging but so worth it!

  2. Being prepared when it’s required: 5-10 minute monologues are often required for classes, workshops, and competitions. Finding a piece that is the right fit is half the battle (Well, maybe 1/5 of the battle at least!)! Start looking now, so when you find it, you can immerse yourself from the start. You’ll find longer monologues are a superb learning tool for character and general literature study.

  3. Having ownership: This might seem intimidating at first, but try to view it as an exciting challenge! The story is all yours to tell! Seek feedback from others (a director, actor, friend whom you trust), but ultimately, you’re the one and only performer up there. The more you practice, the more confident, and less nervous, you will be. You will be able to tell a complete story and take yourself and the audience through a journey, usually with some humor and also poignancy. And hey, without a scene partner, scheduling rehearsals is a whole lot simpler!

  4. Increasing confidence in public speaking: 3-10 minute monologues are great for increasing confidence in public speaking, often used in groups such as Toastmasters. Children may increase reading fluency through Reader’s Theater, and a similar idea applies to learning a monologue. You don’t have to be a professional actor to learn a monologue. Whether or not you end up performing the monologue in public, going through the process either alone, with a peer, or group, can benefit your confidence in speaking, and in yourself. After all, how many people can say they have learned a 3 to 10 minute monologue or solo play? You are already in a rare and special minority if you’re reading this at all! :)

  5. Showing your skills and performing: Learning longer monologues or a one-person/solo play gives you the terrific opportunity to create a performance. You might be able to perform your monologue on its own at an event (charity event, open-mic, variety show) or you may be able to perform it within a show of short plays or scenes. You can also record your performance and post online for all the world to see! Not to mention in front of your classmates, judges, or industry professionals. Hey, maybe you could even show it off at a dinner party. Why not?

Whatever your reasons for learning a longer monologue, I hope you leave room to enjoy and appreciate the process!