Product Description

Magnificent Monologues for Kids provides 5-12 year-olds with performable age-appropriate comedic and dramatic monologues, all 100% kid tested. Chambers Stevens, Los Angeles' #1 kids acting coach, introduces young actors to the joys and how-to's of performing monologues in preparation of auditions. More than 50 kid-friendly monologues are incorporated. Each monologue is named and subtitled for quick content perusal. A glossary of up-to-date industry terms, index and bibliography of magnificent performances by child actors in film are also included as a study and motivation aid. In the foreword, Steven Woolf, renowned repertory theater director, discusses the role of monologues in the development of today's actor. Monologues in the book are easy to read, easy to understand, require a minimum of props and work in impromptu settings. Perfect for teachers of theater arts, parents, counselors, troop leaders interested in increasing the self-confidence and self esteem of young people through the performance arts. Great for classroom, variety talent shows, parties, competitions, and ultimately, auditions.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #95371 in Books
• Published on: 1999-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 71 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-5-The author's stated intent is to present a series of monologues that children can perform, and sound like actual children while doing so. The pieces are divided between those designated for girls (26 entries) and those for boys (25 pieces). In many cases, the gender is not important, and the divisions may only serve to limit young performers' choices. All of the selections are brief, ranging from a half page to a page and a half. Many focus on typical childhood situations-relationships with parents, siblings, and friends-but a few stretch to fairy-tale or alien scenarios. The characters represent a range of personalities, from those in need of a helping hand to others who are selfish and demanding. While references to current TV-show characters, brand names, movies, and toys give a contemporary feel to the pieces, they will also date them. A helpful glossary defines stage terms in simple language and is followed by a list of movies with good performances by children, suggested as study pieces. Libraries needing material for acting classes, clubs, or youngsters who audition for roles may want to include this book in their collection.
Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, KS
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Gr. 4^-8. Stevens, a children's acting coach, begins by explaining how monologues are used to audition for roles, noting that the best ones for the purpose are less than two minutes in length. Fifty-one monologues are included, with one section of the book devoted to monologues for boys, another to monologues for girls. Though some of the references in the pieces will date quickly, Stevens' selections represent a good range of emotion and contain natural-sounding language. Many of the girls portrayed display unattractive qualities (greed, shallowness, vanity); the boys struggle with real-life problems--dealing with a bully, or with a father's expectations. Still, this may fill a gap in library collections, whether as a source for auditioning material or for short oral presentations. Susan Dove Lempke

Review
Chambers is a versatile writer/actor of unusual potential. He is a theater professional of high energy and enthusiasm. -- The Tennessean, 12/95

Chambers writes characters that are sometimes moving, often funny and always entertaining . . . Chambers Stevens is a superb actor, willing to take risks in pursuit of his goals, stretching our imaginations to his creative limit as he perfects his craft. -- SOME Magazine, 12/89

Chambers' monologues are inventive, whimsical and explosively funny. -- Omaha World Herald, 12/96

Chambers, as a writer/actor, is a man of extraordinary diligence, perception, compassion and talent. -- Drama Logue, 2/94

The dude [Chambers Stevens] is worthy. Way! -- Los Angeles Times 2/94

Customer Reviews

Recommended Reading for Academy of Cinema and Television Students
As a professional writer and author with a background in the performing arts, I am often asked to review books for prestigious acting and performing arts schools. This week I was asked by the Academy of Cinema and Television to review this book.

I am pleased to say I found this book an outstanding tool for acting students. I believe students ranging in age from 6 to 12 will find the monologues in this book outstanding.

The monologues are divided so they benefit both girls and boys. Some of the pieces work for either gender. All of the selections are brief, ranging from a half page to a page and a half. I was especially fond of how the selections focus on typical childhood situations and relationships with parents, siblings, and friends. The child actors will most likely prefer the fairy-tale and alien pieces. The characters represent a range of personalities, from those in need of a helping hand to others who are selfish and demanding.

Parents seeking material for their children's acting classes or for their youngsters who audition for roles may want to include this book in their collection. I am highly recommending this book to the parents at the Academy of Cinema and Television. ~Amelia Painter

It's so fun!!!
When I heard of the book Magnificent monologues for kids, I begged and begged my father to get it for me. he wants me to keep going with my goal in life, to be an actress when I grow up. He bought it for me after he thought about it. To tell you the truth, when I first saw it I was a little bit disappointed. But every time I read it I got a little more exited. Chambers Steven's monologues are fantasic, and if you are a teenager and you want to pursue acting, then get Magnificent Monologues for teens!!! - Sara

The Best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This monologue book is by far the best of them all. there are monologes for boy or girls of all ages. there are all kinds of different monologes. sad, happy, or funny. Whatever kind you are looking for you can find it all in this monologue book.