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Monologues for Young Adults: 60 Original Monologues to Stand Out, Inspire, and Shine
Monologues for Young Adults is an original collection of family-friendly, gender-neutral, stage and screen scripts to help young, up-and-coming actors nail their college drama program auditions and professional performances. Full voting member of the National Television Academy and longtime NBC Tonight Show with Jay Leno sketch comedy performer Mike Kimmel has been writing, acting, and producing for decades. He brings practical, real world experience from the Hollywood and New York trenches to the challenge of monologue auditions.
With relatable, real-world topics applicable to young adults in their twenties and thirties, these scenes require no costumes or props, and discuss ethical questions ideal for deep thinkers to explore. If you like fresh content, optimistic spins, and challenging ideas, you'll love this definitive new resource.
With relatable, real-world topics applicable to young adults in their twenties and thirties, these scenes require no costumes or props, and discuss ethical questions ideal for deep thinkers to explore. If you like fresh content, optimistic spins, and challenging ideas, you'll love this definitive new resource.
- GenresNonfiction
142 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2023
6 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Mike Kimmel
46 books35 followersMike Kimmel is an experienced film, TV, stage, and commercial actor. He has lived and worked in both New York and Los Angeles. He appeared regularly as a sketch comedy performer on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno for eleven years. He has worked with directors Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Townsend, Christopher Cain, Thomas Carter, and David Solomon among many others.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 1, 2025
This book is so great, I really enjoyed reading it; Mike’s fun personality shines right through his writing! It’s important to have books like this for those who need to be prepared for Hollywood and other entertainment industries. It’s the advice and help that a lot of people didn’t get in the past so I think it’s amazing that he’s writing books to help out the younger generations on their entertainment journey.
September 16, 2023
Filled with practical advice for actors in the college age and those in their 20s and 30s. The introduction is 13-14 pages that full of good information on mindset, audition psychology, and how to set yourself apart as an actor. Definitely worth while.
March 7, 2023
Anyone who knows me well will at some point been undoubtedly at the receiving end of many a terrible impression (my "posh English" being one of the worst has perhaps the greatest irony given I am a British citizen). Needless to say, acting has never been my strongest suit.
Monologues for Young Adults does exactly what it says on the tin. Written by actor and coach Mike Kimmel, it contains sixty non-binary and family friendly monologues which young people can use to hone in their performance skills. The book also features acting guidance from both the author and fellow actor Valerie Marsch.
To get to the point simply and quickly, this title is an excellent read. Kimmel's years of expertise shine through in this book as a creative writer in his own merit and it is encouraging that the title's intended audience are the creatives of tomorrow. Young, impressionable minds which deserve the highest standard in writing. Coming to this book with a reader/writer mindset, you can instantly picture each scene, the character, the delivery, the subtle movements the performer might add to enhance the prose. Monologues for Young Adults is also super flexible and highly adaptive. It is aimed at performing arts students yet so much of the content can be translated across into adult acting or anyone looking for inspiration to turbo-boost their writing. Topics covered include repeating themes of society, money and death; broad discussion points that anyone could perform.
Each monologue tends to be no longer than a page in length, which helps them digestible; easy to learn and easy to read. If for whatever reason there is a monologue that does not quite resonate then they can be just a quickly skipped over. None of the sixty monologues are related to each other. Given the wide variation of style and content any performer should be be able to find at least one monologue suitable for performance.
Sticking with the theme of keeping this review punchy and to the point, I will end on this; dive into this book with an open perspective and it will reward you greatly.
AEB Reviews
Monologues for Young Adults does exactly what it says on the tin. Written by actor and coach Mike Kimmel, it contains sixty non-binary and family friendly monologues which young people can use to hone in their performance skills. The book also features acting guidance from both the author and fellow actor Valerie Marsch.
To get to the point simply and quickly, this title is an excellent read. Kimmel's years of expertise shine through in this book as a creative writer in his own merit and it is encouraging that the title's intended audience are the creatives of tomorrow. Young, impressionable minds which deserve the highest standard in writing. Coming to this book with a reader/writer mindset, you can instantly picture each scene, the character, the delivery, the subtle movements the performer might add to enhance the prose. Monologues for Young Adults is also super flexible and highly adaptive. It is aimed at performing arts students yet so much of the content can be translated across into adult acting or anyone looking for inspiration to turbo-boost their writing. Topics covered include repeating themes of society, money and death; broad discussion points that anyone could perform.
Each monologue tends to be no longer than a page in length, which helps them digestible; easy to learn and easy to read. If for whatever reason there is a monologue that does not quite resonate then they can be just a quickly skipped over. None of the sixty monologues are related to each other. Given the wide variation of style and content any performer should be be able to find at least one monologue suitable for performance.
Sticking with the theme of keeping this review punchy and to the point, I will end on this; dive into this book with an open perspective and it will reward you greatly.
AEB Reviews
August 31, 2023
Mike Kimmel's collection, Monologues for Young Adults: 60 Original Monologues to Stand-Out, Inspire, and Shine, is a refreshing and engaging read that is approachable and insightful. Comprised of succinct and easily digestible monologues, this book shines as a valuable resource for the acting community.
The work kicks off with a thoughtful foreword by Valerie Marsch, lending an experienced perspective, followed by a 13-page introduction by Kimmel himself. More than a mere prelude, the introduction serves as a pragmatic guide with a sensible list of do's and don'ts for budding actors.
What sets this collection apart is the short, conversational monologues, each infused with sage advice that is both practical and inspirational. Kimmel's pieces stand out for their cleanliness and optimism. They are devoid of vulgarities, consistently forward-looking, and brightened by an uplifting spirit.
Each monologue contains at least one poignant line ripe for impactful delivery, such as "the only difference between a rut and a grave is the length" or "if you don't heal from the things that hurt you, you'll bleed all over people who didn't cut you." The themes vary widely, ranging from small mindset adjustments needed to push forward and overcome personal limitations and fears to the poignant reflection on unfulfilled dreams symbolized by the clever play on words 'Someday Isle' (Someday I'll).
Kimmel's collection is an excellent source of good, clean material for aspiring actors. Beyond merely being a collection of monologues, it also serves as an informative primer for those new to the acting industry. The author's extensive experience is eloquently captured in the introduction and afterword.
Monologues for Young Adults admirably fulfills its stated intention and stands as a testament to Kimmel's understanding of the needs and aspirations of actors. Engaging, encouraging, and earnest in its approach, this collection is a must-have for anyone seeking to navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of acting.
The work kicks off with a thoughtful foreword by Valerie Marsch, lending an experienced perspective, followed by a 13-page introduction by Kimmel himself. More than a mere prelude, the introduction serves as a pragmatic guide with a sensible list of do's and don'ts for budding actors.
What sets this collection apart is the short, conversational monologues, each infused with sage advice that is both practical and inspirational. Kimmel's pieces stand out for their cleanliness and optimism. They are devoid of vulgarities, consistently forward-looking, and brightened by an uplifting spirit.
Each monologue contains at least one poignant line ripe for impactful delivery, such as "the only difference between a rut and a grave is the length" or "if you don't heal from the things that hurt you, you'll bleed all over people who didn't cut you." The themes vary widely, ranging from small mindset adjustments needed to push forward and overcome personal limitations and fears to the poignant reflection on unfulfilled dreams symbolized by the clever play on words 'Someday Isle' (Someday I'll).
Kimmel's collection is an excellent source of good, clean material for aspiring actors. Beyond merely being a collection of monologues, it also serves as an informative primer for those new to the acting industry. The author's extensive experience is eloquently captured in the introduction and afterword.
Monologues for Young Adults admirably fulfills its stated intention and stands as a testament to Kimmel's understanding of the needs and aspirations of actors. Engaging, encouraging, and earnest in its approach, this collection is a must-have for anyone seeking to navigate the challenging yet rewarding world of acting.
November 30, 2025
Don't get fooled by the title that 60 Original Monologues by Mike Kimmel is just a book of monologues. It is not; it is way more than just a stack of audition scripts.
The main theme is simple: stop auditioning like a dark, angry, tortured soul. Mike says most actors walk in and dump negativity on the room. He thinks that’s why so many of us never get called back. His big thesis is right there in the introduction: “It’s much wiser to present yourself differently—as the single bright spot in an overcrowded field on a dark and gloomy day.” He repeats it over and over. Be the person the director wants to work with for the next six months, not the one who scares them. He calls the real secret of the business this: “Producers and directors are never really sure the project they’re creating… is going to work.” They hire people who feel safe. Positive people. Problem-solvers. Not walking storm clouds.
The 60 monologues themselves are designed to be short and relatable. They focus on real-world topics that resonate with adults. The content is deliberately clean or family-friendly, which is a smart, strategic move. The writing is super easy to read. Short sentences. Everyday words. You can finish the intro in ten minutes and feel like you just had coffee with a smart friend.
Even if you are not an actor, get this book. Each monologue will add something to your personality. Pick one monologue. Try it. I bet you’ll walk in smiling, and they’ll remember you for all the right reasons.
The main theme is simple: stop auditioning like a dark, angry, tortured soul. Mike says most actors walk in and dump negativity on the room. He thinks that’s why so many of us never get called back. His big thesis is right there in the introduction: “It’s much wiser to present yourself differently—as the single bright spot in an overcrowded field on a dark and gloomy day.” He repeats it over and over. Be the person the director wants to work with for the next six months, not the one who scares them. He calls the real secret of the business this: “Producers and directors are never really sure the project they’re creating… is going to work.” They hire people who feel safe. Positive people. Problem-solvers. Not walking storm clouds.
The 60 monologues themselves are designed to be short and relatable. They focus on real-world topics that resonate with adults. The content is deliberately clean or family-friendly, which is a smart, strategic move. The writing is super easy to read. Short sentences. Everyday words. You can finish the intro in ten minutes and feel like you just had coffee with a smart friend.
Even if you are not an actor, get this book. Each monologue will add something to your personality. Pick one monologue. Try it. I bet you’ll walk in smiling, and they’ll remember you for all the right reasons.
March 26, 2026
Monologues for Young Adults is a dynamic and thoughtfully crafted collection designed to help aspiring actors stand out with confidence and authenticity. Drawing on decades of experience in writing, acting, and production, Mike Kimmel delivers a versatile set of original monologues that feel both practical and creatively engaging.
What sets this book apart is its strong sense of relevance. The monologues explore real-world topics that resonate with young adults, offering material that feels current, relatable, and emotionally grounded. Each piece is carefully structured to work effectively without the need for costumes or props, making it especially useful for auditions and performances where simplicity and impact matter most.
The collection also shines in its accessibility and inclusivity. With gender neutral scripts and family-friendly content, it opens the door for a wide range of performers to connect with the material and make it their own. Beneath the approachable format lies a deeper layer of ethical reflection and character exploration, giving actors meaningful content to work with and interpret.
At its core, Monologues for Young Adults is both a practical resource and a creative toolkit. It empowers performers to refine their craft, express themselves with confidence, and approach auditions with material that feels fresh and impactful. Engaging, purposeful, and performance-ready, this book is a valuable addition for anyone serious about acting.
What sets this book apart is its strong sense of relevance. The monologues explore real-world topics that resonate with young adults, offering material that feels current, relatable, and emotionally grounded. Each piece is carefully structured to work effectively without the need for costumes or props, making it especially useful for auditions and performances where simplicity and impact matter most.
The collection also shines in its accessibility and inclusivity. With gender neutral scripts and family-friendly content, it opens the door for a wide range of performers to connect with the material and make it their own. Beneath the approachable format lies a deeper layer of ethical reflection and character exploration, giving actors meaningful content to work with and interpret.
At its core, Monologues for Young Adults is both a practical resource and a creative toolkit. It empowers performers to refine their craft, express themselves with confidence, and approach auditions with material that feels fresh and impactful. Engaging, purposeful, and performance-ready, this book is a valuable addition for anyone serious about acting.
June 10, 2023
Mike Kimmel delivers sixty original works in "Monologues for Young Adults," a collection of uplifting, thought-provoking, and conversational oratory pieces written for aspiring actors. Each unique monologue presents a relatable situation, written in accessible language with little jargon. Kimmel’s background in teaching and coaching is apparent, as he dispenses straightforward advice about how to prepare for an audition by selecting a monologue that highlights one’s unique voice. As an actor, acting coach, screenplay writer, and full voting member of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Kimmel has first-hand knowledge of the industry and what it takes to land career-changing roles in television and film.
In addition to its intended audience, the book would be useful for any acting teacher or coach. I enjoyed reading the monologues, despite my professional distance from the entertainment industry. Actors are storytellers, and the short monologues tell a story quickly. I appreciated Kimmel’s reminder about eliciting the appropriate emotional impact in an audition. Each monologue can be adapted and customized by incorporating personal experiences. Most pieces can be delivered by anyone regardless of gender, race, and ethnic background. Each short essay is thoughtfully and methodically written but without a sense of rigidity.
In addition to its intended audience, the book would be useful for any acting teacher or coach. I enjoyed reading the monologues, despite my professional distance from the entertainment industry. Actors are storytellers, and the short monologues tell a story quickly. I appreciated Kimmel’s reminder about eliciting the appropriate emotional impact in an audition. Each monologue can be adapted and customized by incorporating personal experiences. Most pieces can be delivered by anyone regardless of gender, race, and ethnic background. Each short essay is thoughtfully and methodically written but without a sense of rigidity.
January 12, 2024
I should start this with, I'm not an actor, so I don't know if my feedback is going to be super helpful for determining how functionally useful these will be for auditions from the stance of experience.
HOWEVER.
I read through this book, and thought that, in general, these would be very useful monologues to start a person off when getting ready to present yourself for consideration. They are highly positive, almost to the point of suppressing negativity in a way that seems a bit disconnected from real world problems, hence the 4 instead of 5 stars. I would recommend not doing what I did, which was read it cover to cover -- a little goes a long way and reading one or two of these at a time can be really uplifting. They read a little like philosophical takes on life, and I imagine they would be very good to memorize and speak into the world.
Mike mentions in the forward that it is better 'to set yourself apart as the actor who shows up for your audition carrying a sense of enthusiasm, hope, and optimism with you" because other actors will be bringing more dark and moody pieces to bear. I agree that in that case, bringing a sense of lightness and brightness to the room would be a good thing to do, and would definitely set you apart.
TLDR, I think these would be useful for actors and will be sharing them with my actor friends for their consideration.
HOWEVER.
I read through this book, and thought that, in general, these would be very useful monologues to start a person off when getting ready to present yourself for consideration. They are highly positive, almost to the point of suppressing negativity in a way that seems a bit disconnected from real world problems, hence the 4 instead of 5 stars. I would recommend not doing what I did, which was read it cover to cover -- a little goes a long way and reading one or two of these at a time can be really uplifting. They read a little like philosophical takes on life, and I imagine they would be very good to memorize and speak into the world.
Mike mentions in the forward that it is better 'to set yourself apart as the actor who shows up for your audition carrying a sense of enthusiasm, hope, and optimism with you" because other actors will be bringing more dark and moody pieces to bear. I agree that in that case, bringing a sense of lightness and brightness to the room would be a good thing to do, and would definitely set you apart.
TLDR, I think these would be useful for actors and will be sharing them with my actor friends for their consideration.
May 27, 2024
Though I'm not an actor, I enjoyed this series of monologues, and I think it's a worthwhile book for aspiring actors to peruse. The strongest part of this book for me is the introduction, where Kimmel highlights his experience with acting and teaching and offers essential tips for new actors, including to slow down their speech, getting into character, and being real with new creatives in acknowledging that the field isn't for everyone, and that it's perfectly ok to quit. Maybe this is weird for an English major and aspiring writer myself to say, but I wish more books emphasized this, showcasing it's fine to have a creative hobby and pursue something else as a career.
As for the monologues, I think it's nice to have more positive options for new adults to peruse. Some of the themes did get a bit repetitive (never complaining, living life to the fullest, etc.), and some were a little corny, but a majority of them seemed like great options for presenting. Some of my favorites included "Moving Forward," "Birds in My Head," and "The Wealthiest Places." Not all of these monologues will work for every single person, but I think that's true with every monologue collection out there. I also appreciated how Kimmel encouraged readers to tweak the monologues to better fit their personality and encouraged improv, again showing great teaching and guidance.
As for the monologues, I think it's nice to have more positive options for new adults to peruse. Some of the themes did get a bit repetitive (never complaining, living life to the fullest, etc.), and some were a little corny, but a majority of them seemed like great options for presenting. Some of my favorites included "Moving Forward," "Birds in My Head," and "The Wealthiest Places." Not all of these monologues will work for every single person, but I think that's true with every monologue collection out there. I also appreciated how Kimmel encouraged readers to tweak the monologues to better fit their personality and encouraged improv, again showing great teaching and guidance.
December 12, 2025
Monologues for Young Adults is a refreshing and essential resource for up-and-coming performers who want to stand out with confidence, originality, and purpose. Mike Kimmel delivers a smart, uplifting, and skillfully curated collection of monologues that speak directly to the challenges and aspirations of young adults in their twenties and thirties. Each piece is crafted with clarity, heart, and real-world experience, making this book not just a performance tool but a powerful confidence-builder for actors preparing for auditions, showcases, or filmed self-tapes.
What sets this collection apart is its thoughtful blend of humor, sincerity, and ethical depth. The monologues require no props or costumes, focusing entirely on truth, presence, and emotional authenticity, everything casting directors value. Kimmel’s decades of industry insight shine through every page, offering material that is family-friendly, gender-neutral, and deeply relatable. This book is not just a resource; it’s a gift to any young actor committed to growth, self-expression, and standing out in competitive spaces.
What sets this collection apart is its thoughtful blend of humor, sincerity, and ethical depth. The monologues require no props or costumes, focusing entirely on truth, presence, and emotional authenticity, everything casting directors value. Kimmel’s decades of industry insight shine through every page, offering material that is family-friendly, gender-neutral, and deeply relatable. This book is not just a resource; it’s a gift to any young actor committed to growth, self-expression, and standing out in competitive spaces.
July 27, 2025
A Stage Companion for Young Dreamers...
Monologues for Young Adults by Mike Kimmel doesn’t just hand young actors a script—it hands them a spark. With sixty original pieces that speak like real conversations and carry a quiet fire beneath their words, this collection gives performers something rare: honesty without cynicism, depth without drama. It’s refreshing to find material that feels both modern and meaningful, with just enough challenge to push you past autopilot and into something truer.
Kimmel’s background in the biz shines, but it never overshadows the heart of the book: helping young adults connect. Whether you're prepping for your big college audition or just trying to find your voice in the noise, these monologues offer more than practice—they offer perspective. And in a world of stock lines and tired tropes, that’s no small thing.
Monologues for Young Adults by Mike Kimmel doesn’t just hand young actors a script—it hands them a spark. With sixty original pieces that speak like real conversations and carry a quiet fire beneath their words, this collection gives performers something rare: honesty without cynicism, depth without drama. It’s refreshing to find material that feels both modern and meaningful, with just enough challenge to push you past autopilot and into something truer.
Kimmel’s background in the biz shines, but it never overshadows the heart of the book: helping young adults connect. Whether you're prepping for your big college audition or just trying to find your voice in the noise, these monologues offer more than practice—they offer perspective. And in a world of stock lines and tired tropes, that’s no small thing.
November 4, 2024
I was lucky enough to find this book about a week before an audition for a local non-equity theatre company. My monologues had gotten old and quite frankly, I was ready for something new.
Although the title says “young adults,” I found my 44-year-old self able to identify with quite a few of them. For example, “The Morning Sun” and “Rock Star Parking” were amazing reads, and I got a huge round of applause after my rendition of “Have We Met?”
I know so many monologue books are just plain not worth the paper they are printed on, but this one is not it. Get a copy now and enjoy having decent monologues to work with for Pilot Season!
Although the title says “young adults,” I found my 44-year-old self able to identify with quite a few of them. For example, “The Morning Sun” and “Rock Star Parking” were amazing reads, and I got a huge round of applause after my rendition of “Have We Met?”
I know so many monologue books are just plain not worth the paper they are printed on, but this one is not it. Get a copy now and enjoy having decent monologues to work with for Pilot Season!
October 16, 2023
The inspirational messages alone are enough reason to recommend this book for young adult actors. The first monologue in the book is titled "No Competition," and makes a strong case for aspiring actors to take the high road. It's a refreshing change of pace from the type of dodgy material usually given out to up and coming actors. Will be especially relevant for college aged actors and their teachers.
August 31, 2025
A monologue book that feels fresh and real. The pieces in here are smart relatable and totally usable for auditions without needing props or costumes. Mike Kimmel clearly knows the industry and has created material that actually helps young actors stand out. The topics feel modern and meaningful while still being family friendly. If you are serious about auditions for college programs or early professional work this book is an absolute game changer.
September 19, 2025
I've always wanted to try acting but was too shy. I thought of just doing monologues in my room for fun, but couldn't really find good materials because I didn't have the eye for it. Then I found this book, got it on sale, read a few at the front and thinking of trying some out from the book. I like that most of them are short. As a beginner, I wouldn't be able to handle monologues that are pages long. Also, a few tips on acting is included so I'm excited to try it out.
December 12, 2023
Where on Earth was this book when I was in College?!! When I was looking for strong monologue choices that the audition-ers hadn't heard before? There are many good choices for monologue performers here.
November 3, 2024
A very helpful book to aid young people to get their confidence to act all sorts of different roles. It will help them improve themselves in the acting world
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very useful read for all aspiring actors
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a very useful read for all aspiring actors
August 4, 2025
A great resource for aspiring actors.
I gave this book to a friend. She is an aspiring actress and was tickled pink with this book of monologues. I told her to keep me posted on whether or not she actually used one in an audition!
I gave this book to a friend. She is an aspiring actress and was tickled pink with this book of monologues. I told her to keep me posted on whether or not she actually used one in an audition!
November 25, 2025
Mike’s monologues are perfect. They are well written and allow for artist interpretation. The monologues are useable for comedy or drama depending on how YOU decide to deliver it which means the reader gets double the material!
January 26, 2026
A very useful tool
I learned so much from reading this book! Not only does the author cover attitude but I learned now just what a monologue is... In case I want to become an actor.
I recommend this book to budding actors of any age as required reading and learning from.
I learned so much from reading this book! Not only does the author cover attitude but I learned now just what a monologue is... In case I want to become an actor.
I recommend this book to budding actors of any age as required reading and learning from.
March 21, 2024
Smart, savvy, solid group of monologues for actors. Quite a few good choices here for adult actors and their teachers to pick from for auditions. Very well done.
July 3, 2024
This is a fine book for all of the actors in college. Very good ideas for all of them to learn and gain the experience.
September 12, 2024
I like the author's style of writing and especially appreciate the personal stories, tidbits of advice, and mentorship he offers. The hints on performance and acting technique are especially helpful.
July 5, 2025
It's terrific. Better than I expected for the age group intended (college and post-college)
September 2, 2025
Excellent for college age acting students. It's hard to find clean material nowadays. I love this collection.
September 19, 2025
This one is pure gold. A terrific book for actors in that weird "in-between" age ... post college and just getting into the workforce, trying to "find yourself." This book will help you get there.
September 20, 2025
Fantastic selection for college aged actors and those a few years older too. Many good choices for this age category that are relatable and ring true.
September 23, 2025
The monologues have a really current, down-to-earth vibe, which made them easy to click with emotionally. I grabbed this book to have some new material ready for my drama school auditions coming up.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews