10 Dramatic Monologues for Women

Ah, the monologue! Once upon a time, it was a staple for any theatrical audition to be able to deliver one, and though that is becoming less and less the case over time, you never know when you are going to be called upon to stand up and give one. Fortunately, there are many dramatic monologues to choose from but it can be harder to find dramatic monologues for women.

Of course, nothing stops you from giving a monologue written for a man, but if you’re looking for something written with a more feminine voice in mind, we’re here to help. 

In this article

1. “I Was Slipping Away” The Lovely Bones
2. “Thou Knowest the Mask of Night” Romeo and Juliet
3. “No, Mom, Please! I Have to Say This” The Glass Menagerie
4. “It’ll Sound Silly” The Children
5. “What Could You Possibly Have to Tell Me?” Ivanov
6. “Well, Tommy Proposed to Me Again” An Ideal Husband
7. “I Haven’t a Real Passport” The Cherry Orchard
8. “No — It Happened to Me” Enigma
9. “My Name’s Not Violett” Alcott
10. “I Know You’re Probably Mad at Me for Leaving Before the Funeral” The Pretty Theft
11. To Wrap Up

Remember that not every monologue fits every part, and you should choose one that fits your type and style. So without further ado, friends, here are 10 dramatic monologues for women.

“I Was Slipping Away” The Lovely Bones

A strangely beautiful piece considering the subject matter: a young woman talks about her experience dying and what lies in the afterlife. 

If you’re looking for great monologues that are surreal, dramatic and emotional, this one takes around two to three minutes and showcases wonder and sorrow. It is also an excellent choice if you need something contemporary rather than classical that still has much power.

“Thou Knowest the Mask of Night” Romeo and Juliet

You know there can’t be a list of great dramatic or comedic monologues for women without The Bard coming up at some point. So if you want to express the soul of young, foolish love and you’re looking for a classical monologue, this one is an excellent choice. Depending on your delivery, it runs for about a minute and a half to two minutes.

“No, Mom, Please! I Have to Say This” The Glass Menagerie

It seems like The Glass Menagerie is one of those plays everyone learns about in high school, and there’s a good reason for that. This contemporary monologue runs for about two minutes and plays a lot on rage and sorrow with building points in between. 

Of course, the entire point of the play is illusion becoming reality, but with that considered, this is more grounded than the first example on this list.

“It’ll Sound Silly” The Children

All of the female monologues so far have been for young women and teenagers. This one was written with a woman over 60 in mind. 

Rose is an eccentric character, and this monologue is very wistful and serious. It might be a good choice if you’re looking for something subtle with a run time of about a minute and a half. It’s whimsical and manages to be a bit sad at the same time.

“What Could You Possibly Have to Tell Me?” Ivanov

The core of this one is defiance. But, again, it’s another good monologue for adult women when you just want to vent. The run time is about a minute and a half, as it has been for most of these, but it’s suitable for building vitriol into your delivery without becoming crass.

“Well, Tommy Proposed to Me Again” An Ideal Husband

If you’re looking for something angry and comical, this is an excellent choice. The word choice is just so perfect for the sheer amount of exasperation the speaker must feel, ending with the perfect punch line. 

If you’re looking for something that will make the audience laugh while still being able to flex your acting range, you could do far worse than this one.

“I Haven’t a Real Passport” The Cherry Orchard

There’s a lot of room to read this one the way you want to, with different shades of ways the dialogue can be delivered. 

The character’s feelings about what she’s saying from the words themselves could be more prominent. So if you’re looking for something that you could play either comically or dramatically that’s on the short side (inside of a minute), Charlotte’s monologue might be what you’re looking for. 

“No — It Happened to Me” Enigma

This one is jaded and on the longer side at about two and a half minutes. A woman talks about falling in love and the bitterness that comes after it fails. 

Though it tends to be a generally quieter, dramatic monologue, there is much room for emotion. If you’re trying to show off your control, this monologue is an excellent choice.

“My Name’s Not Violett” Alcott

This monologue is the snapping point of someone who speaks softly. It’s about a minute and a half long and packed full of opportunities for anger and frustration.

There are excellent opportunities to make use of your pauses here and a clear target for who you can imagine talking to that makes this a fun exercise and a good choice for a monologue.

“I Know You’re Probably Mad at Me for Leaving Before the Funeral” The Pretty Theft

This monologue is another excellent piece that builds from something subtle into big emotions and makes for a good audition piece. 

This one is about two and a half minutes long, so it’s on the longer side of this list. If you’re looking for something you can swing between very sad or very angry, this is an excellent choice.

To Wrap Up

Choosing dramatic monologues for women can be difficult, but delivering one can be one of the most fun experiences in theater. 

If you’re still trying to find the right dramatic monologues for women other than the ones offered here, it is easy enough to find something online that will suit you. Remember to choose something that showcases your range and the emotions you will need for the part you are auditioning for.

Ready to take on your next audition? Sign up today!