Choice Review

One of the most common questions in any acting class is "Where do I find a good monologue?" Hooks (a Chicago-based acting teacher) provides some solid answers. He offers here a concise, thorough listing of monologues and scenes from 300-plus plays. This is not your average monologue/scene anthology; one will not find here actual scripts edited for immediate use. What Hooks provides is play synopses and analyses, descriptions of monologues/scenes with character gender/age breakdown, and page numbers (in particular editions) of the monologues/scenes. Those who do not have broad knowledge of dramatic literature will find this guide particularly useful, because it will help them locate quality material for classroom exercises, auditions, and performances. A side benefit of Hooks' approach: by not providing the text of the play, he encourages students to read plays and work with the original text. Because it encourages students to read and research the play, this sourcebook is a nice change from the usual canned monologue anthologies, and it should prove a great reference for any actor or teacher of acting. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers, all levels. E. C. Skiles Lone Star College-Kingwood