You learn to hold the stage on your own
Acting in a group scene is one thing — but performing a monologue means all eyes are on you. You have to hold an audience’s attention with just your voice, body, and imagination. That’s a challenge — and a thrill.
Doing this builds real performance muscles. It teaches you to command space, make bold choices, and connect emotionally, even when you’re the only one on stage (or screen).
You get better at text work
When you prepare a monologue, you’re not just learning lines. You’re learning how to:
- Break down text
- Understand characters
- Find subtext and meaning
- Make it your own
These are core acting skills, and the more you practise them, the better prepared you’ll be — not just for school plays, but for auditions and professional work too.
It’s great drama school preparation
If you’re thinking about applying to drama school in the next few years, monologues are a must. Every major drama school in the UK — from RADA and LAMDA to Royal Conservatoire of Scotland — asks for monologue work as part of their audition process.
Taking part in a competition like the National Youth Monologues can give you the chance to:
- Practise audition material
- Receive feedback
- Build confidence under pressure
- Learn how to self-tape (which is now a big part of auditioning)
You’ll also get used to performing in front of professionals, which helps take the nerves down when it really counts.
The Self-Tape Era: Why It’s a Skill Worth Having
Let’s be honest: self-taping is now a huge part of being an actor.
Whether you're auditioning for a school, a show, or a screen project, chances are you'll be asked to send in a self-tape. That means filming yourself delivering a monologue or scene, usually with your phone or a basic camera setup.
The National Youth Monologues starts with self-taped entries — which gives you the perfect opportunity to develop this crucial skill.
Here’s what self-taping teaches you:
- How to set up lighting and framing
- How to perform naturally on camera
- How to stay focused without a live audience
- How to deliver takes that show your range and character choices
These are industry-level skills, and the earlier you get comfortable with them, the better.
Plus, once you’ve nailed a few self-tapes, you’ll feel way more confident whenever that dream opportunity comes along.
Devised Monologues: A Chance to Create Your Own Work
One of the most exciting things about this competition? The Devised category.
This is your chance to:
- Write your own monologue
- Devise something through improvisation
- Share a story that matters to you
Not every actor wants to be a writer — but learning how to create your own material is powerful. It means you don’t have to wait for someone to cast you — you can make your own work and find your own voice.
In today’s theatre and screen industries, more and more performers are also creators. Devising helps you:
- Understand structure and pacing
- Write for performance
- Create original characters
- Tell stories with authenticity
Whether you create something funny, moving, political, surreal — or totally unexpected — this category is your blank canvas.