Write a monologue
Write and perform a short monologue about a memorable moment, practice voice and expression, and present it aloud to family or classmates.
Step-by-step guide to write and perform a short monologue about a memorable moment
Step 1
Choose one memorable moment you want to write about.
Step 2
Decide who will tell the story (you older you or a pretend character).
Step 3
Set a time limit for your monologue like 60 or 90 seconds using your timer or clock.
Step 4
Write three short sensory details about the moment (what you saw heard and felt).
Step 5
Write one exciting opening line that grabs attention.
Step 6
Write the middle of your monologue using your opening line and the sensory details to explain what happened.
Step 7
Write a closing line that shows how you felt or how the moment changed you.
Step 8
Mark places in your script where you want to use a louder softer faster slower or different voice and where to pause.
Step 9
Practice your monologue aloud in front of a mirror while timing yourself.
Step 10
Rehearse your monologue once more using a simple prop or a small movement and then perform it aloud for family or classmates.
Step 11
Share your finished monologue on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a timer, mirror, or a simple prop for this monologue activity?
Use a phone's stopwatch or the oven clock for the set-a-time-limit step, a shiny spoon or window as a stand-in for practicing in front of a mirror, and a stuffed toy, hat, or kitchen utensil as the simple prop for rehearsal and performance.
What should we do if the monologue keeps going over the 60–90 second time limit or we blank on lines while practicing?
Shorten or combine your three short sensory details, mark fewer or shorter pauses in the script, and rehearse aloud with your timer and prop so the louder/softer/faster/slower voice cues help you recover when you forget a line.
How can this activity be adapted for younger children or older students?
For younger kids, set a 30-second time limit, pick one sensory detail, and use a parent-guided simple prop, while older students can expand to 90 seconds, add extra sensory details, mark more vocal dynamics, and refine their opening and closing lines.
How can we enhance or personalize the monologue before sharing it on DIY.org?
Add a costume piece or a recorded sound effect during the rehearse-with-a-simple-prop step, film your timed mirror practice on a phone to fine-tune pacing, and tweak the closing line to clearly show how the moment changed you.
Watch videos on how to write and perform a short monologue about a memorable moment
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Facts about theatre and public speaking for kids
🎭 "Monologue" comes from Greek: monos ("alone") + logos ("speech").
🎤 Actors use breath control and clear diction—many practice like singers to make a monologue carry.
📝 Audition monologues are usually short—about 1–2 minutes—so you can show lots of expression quickly.
😅 Public speaking shows up high on many people's fear lists, so short monologues are great practice to get brave!
🕰️ Shakespeare's "To be, or not to be" from Hamlet is one of the world's most famous theatrical monologues.
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