10 Terrific Shakespeare Monologues For Young Character Women

When it comes to classical theater, Shakespeare's works are undoubtedly the most celebrated. With their timeless themes and eloquent language, his plays have captivated audiences for centuries. For young women looking to explore the world of Shakespearean performance, monologues can be a great starting point. They provide an opportunity to showcase your acting skills and delve into some of the most memorable characters ever written.

In this article, we have compiled a list of ten terrific Shakespeare monologues specifically tailored for young character women. These monologues represent a range of emotions and experiences, allowing young actresses to truly connect with the characters they portray and captivate audiences with their performances. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of Shakespearean theater!

1. Juliet - Romeo and Juliet

"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?

10 Terrific Shakespeare Monologues for Young Character Women: The "Beatrice" Collection (Shakespeare Monologues for Your "Type" Book 11)

by Kurt Daw(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	305 KB
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Print length	:	42 pages
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Deny thy father and refuse thy name;

Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,

And I'll no longer be a Capulet."

Juliet's famous balcony scene monologue is a perfect choice for young character women. It showcases their ability to convey deep emotions and capture the essence of innocence and passionate love. Through this monologue, actresses can explore the complexities of young love and the desire to break free from societal constraints.

2. Viola - Twelfth Night

"I left no ring with her. What means this lady?

Fortune forbid my outside have not charmed her!

She made good view of me; indeed, so much

That, as methought, her eyes had lost her tongue,

For she did speak in starts distractedly."

Viola's monologue from Twelfth Night provides an excellent opportunity for young character women to showcase their versatility. As Viola disguises herself as a man, the monologue allows actresses to navigate between identities and emotions, ranging from confusion to hidden desires. This monologue highlights the complexities of gender and identity, making it a compelling choice.

3. Hermia - A Midsummer Night's Dream

"I would my father looked but with my eyes."

Hermia's monologue from A Midsummer Night's Dream captures the struggle of young love and filial obedience. This monologue allows young actresses to delve into the complexities of loyalty, defiance, and the desire to follow their hearts. It showcases their ability to portray the intensity of emotions and the strength of character.

4. Portia - The Merchant of Venice

"The quality of mercy is not strained;

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest;

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."

Portia's monologue in The Merchant of Venice is a powerful choice for young character women. It allows them to explore the depths of compassion, justice, and righteousness. This monologue highlights their ability to convey wisdom and empathy, making it an engaging piece for performances and auditions.

5. Rosalind - As You Like It

"I pray you, do not fall in love with me,

For I am falser than vows made in wine."

Rosalind's monologue demonstrates her wit, humor, and charm. It provides young character women an opportunity to showcase their comedic timing and ability to capture the audience's attention. This monologue is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the lighter side of Shakespearean theater.

6. Ophelia - Hamlet

"There's rosemary, that's for remembrance; pray,

Love, remember: and there is pansies, that's for thoughts."

Ophelia's monologue in Hamlet offers a profound exploration of love, madness, and tragedy. This monologue allows young actresses to tap into their dramatic range and portray the complexities of emotions. It is a challenging piece that can captivate audiences through its raw vulnerability.

7. Beatrice - Much Ado About Nothing

"I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow

Than a man swear he loves me."

Beatrice's monologue in Much Ado About Nothing is a great choice for young character women who want to portray strength, wit, and independence. This monologue showcases their ability to deliver sharp and memorable lines with a sense of humor. It is an engaging choice that highlights their confidence and stage presence.

8. Helena - A Midsummer Night's Dream

"And even for that do I love you the more.

I am your spaniel; and, Demetrius,

The more you beat me, I will fawn on you."

Helena's monologue in A Midsummer Night's Dream portrays unrequited love and the idea of sacrificing one's self for the affection of another. Young character women can showcase their ability to convey vulnerability, desperation, and determination through this monologue. It provides a challenging yet rewarding choice for auditions and performances.

9. Isabella - Measure for Measure

"More than our brother is our chastity."

Isabella's monologue in Measure for Measure explores the themes of justice, virtue, and the limits of mercy. This monologue challenges young character women to portray the internal struggle between their personal values and the expectation of society. It allows them to showcase their ability to convey moral complexity and emotional depth.

10. Lady Macbeth - Macbeth

"Come, you spirits

That tend on mortal thoughts! Unsex me here,

And fill me from the crown to the toe top-full

Of direst cruelty! Make thick my blood,

Stop up the access and passage to remorse."

Lady Macbeth's monologue in Macbeth is a powerful choice for young character women who want to showcase their ability to portray ambition, manipulation, and the desire for power. This monologue provides an opportunity for actresses to demonstrate their versatility and command of the stage.

These ten Shakespeare monologues for young character women offer a wide range of choices for those looking to explore classical theater. Each monologue allows actresses to explore different emotions, themes, and character dynamics, providing an avenue for growth and self-expression. Whether it's the intensity of Juliet or the wit of Beatrice, these monologues are sure to captivate audiences and showcase the immense talent of young performers.

So, if you're a young character woman looking to make your mark in Shakespearean theater, don't hesitate to delve into these ten terrific monologues. Embrace the power of Shakespeare's words and let your talent shine on stage!

10 Terrific Shakespeare Monologues for Young Character Women: The "Beatrice" Collection (Shakespeare Monologues for Your "Type" Book 11)

by Kurt Daw(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	305 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	42 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	160 pages
Item Weight	:	15.9 ounces

FREE

NEED MATERIAL FOR CLASS MONOLOGUES AND AUDITIONS?
Of course, the problem is not finding a speech by Shakespeare - there are thousands of them. It is finding one that is right for YOU.

Make Your Search Easier
This series of booklets, Shakespeare Monologues for your "type," is designed to make this task a whole lot easier. Unlike many books where you buy dozens of monologues only to find that most are "wrong age," "wrong gender," or "wrong type," this series has pre-sorted speeches into useful groupings.

In this volume you will find monologues especially selected for young character women. The collection steers clear of the clichéd choices and offers fresh, gripping material that will help you stand out from the crowd. This volume concentrates on speeches for young character women, like Beatrice from Much Ado, Phebe from As You Like It, and Helena from A Midsummer Night's Dream.

For each selection you will find:

• the complete speech, newly edited for this booklet by Shakespearean scholar and director Kurt Daw;
• extensive notes on the scansion that tells you exactly how to pronounce any tricky or archaic words in the monologue;
• a full to the speech explaining the context of the speech;
• and suggestions for acting the role.

In addition, this booklet also contains:

• an extensive list of resources including links to great (free) websites,
• annotated lists of the best reference books
• and multi-media sources,
• and a FREE special offer.