Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The most comprehensive book of monologues ever. With 127 audition pieces, this handbook has a monologue for almost any audition situation. It's important that the actor be inventive and imaginative in performing a monologue. This book shows students how to investigate dramatic and theatrical elements.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

The task of finding, preparing, and performing audition material consumes a large part of an actor's life. What can be said of another book of audition monologs? There are, literally, hundreds of them out there, each purporting to provide the actor with just the right speech for the right moment. But, alas, most monolog collections fall short for lack of organization and supporting material. In this relatively small book, Ratliff has managed to create an actor's bible. The volume is significant in three ways: Ratliff has organized the monolog material by period rather than gender; he has included a fine section of nondramatic materials such as narratives from stories, letters, speeches, etc.; and he addresses the young actor in a valuable discussion about the audition process--how to choose materials, the etiquette of auditioning, dealing with stage fright, etc. Although some of this latter material is brief, its inclusion makes the book all the more useful. Additional material includes a glossary of audition terms, bibliographies, and a list of other resources. Useful in all undergraduate and public libraries. R. F. Falk; Lycoming College