Perfectly Scripted
by Stephanie Struyck Elgin
Author and Valencia resident, Mary Depner, recently released her fifth published book, 50/50 Monologues for Student Actors. Her books have provided a wealth of knowledge and fun to student actors as well as their audience. Mary takes a moment to talk with us.
é: What is your main purpose for writing these books?
My main purpose for writing these books was to provide student actors with material that is not only engaging to an actor and audience, but also enjoyable reading. I also wanted to provide a good mix of comedic and dramatic monologues. Life can be very stressful, especially in adolescence; so, it’s good to laugh at it now and then. It’s also nice, as an actor, to be able to walk in someone else’s shoes for a while. If a character is experiencing a problem that the actor can relate to, then there is a feeling of belonging to a universal community, a feeling of being not “so alone” in the world. On the other hand, if an actor portrays a character experiencing some difficulty that he or she has never experienced, the acting exercise fosters a greater understanding of and compassion for others.
é: You have published a total of five books for teens. Can you briefly describe each book?
Sugared and Spiced, 100 Monologues for Girls
Sugared and Spiced is a collection of comedic and dramatic monologues for girls, that is best suited for age 11 through 15. The monologues are easy to memorize and fun to act out. Great for acting class or practicing at home, these monologues provide great practice for a beginning actress.
Echo Booming Monologues, 100 Monologues for Teens
Echo Booming is a collection of comedic and dramatic monologues suitable for grade 8 through high school. There is a theme present in several of the monologues related to the Echo Boomer generation; hence, the title Echo Booming. One monologue particularly points out that you can’t lump a bunch of people into a group that easily; and, as the variety of characters and situations in the book clearly illustrate, we’re all uniquely individual. It’s our actions that will define who we are, not society’s definition of our “generation.”
Echo Booming the Play, An Episodic Play in One Act
Echo Booming the Play consists of 62 monologues from Echo Booming Monologues, 100 Monologues for Teens. The monologues have been carefully selected and arranged for presentation in an episodic play format. The play is easy to produce and the cost should be extremely minimal. The set is a bare stage with some ladders and chairs. This play was recently produced by a middle school in Southern California and received rave reviews from teachers, students and parents.
Sugared and Spiced the Play, An Episodic Play in One Act
Sugared and Spiced the Play consists of 62 monologues from Sugared and Spiced, 100 Monologues for Girls. The monologues were selected and arranged specifically with the episodic-play format in mind. A chorus ties each monologue to the next with recitation of pieces taken from well-known classic rhymes, songs and children’s games.
50/50 Monologues for Student Actors
50/50 Monologues for Student Actors is my first book to be published by Meriwether Publishing, Ltd. It’s a collection of 100 monologues: 50 for guys and 50 for girls – comedic and dramatic pieces suitable for teens and young adults. It can be used for auditions, classroom practice, or forensic competitions.
é: Your target audience is geared towards teens. Any particular reason why you chose this age group?
I taught middle school drama for ten years (grades 6-8) and often wrote material for my students. So, when I started to write with the intent to publish, it seemed natural to write for pre-teens and teens. I wanted to provide material for young actors studying theater that was substantial and imbued with positive messages.
é: Is there anything you are currently working on?
I’m always thinking of new monologues and have started writing two new monologue books. I also have a children’s novel in my head that I really need to get on paper. In the future, I would love to move into writing for film and television as well.
For more information about Mary or to purchase her books, visit www.jelliroll.com.
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