Take the lead Vol. 2

OFF BOOK Publishing presents the second Volume of Monologues for Lead Actors. Each one is as unique as you. They don’t come from classic texts or adaptations of movie scenes. Perform one of those and no one will remember a nostalgic movie scene when it was better filmed, edited, or acted by their favorite actor or actress in the original version.

Each story stands alone to captivate film and theater professionals with your story. They are written for training, classes, and, of course, something original and impactful for your demo reel.

Assumpta Serna and Scott Cleverdon, actors and teachers, are the authors. In their own words:

“We wrote each monologue so every actor can shine when working on camera or presenting their work on stage. They are written in a language that makes your performance feel natural and authentic.”

All have been tested, revised, and perfected. They work. We want you to have something you can truly own and be proud of when you show your filmed work to agents and directors. To ensure you leave no one indifferent, to turn their “no” into a “yes.”

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Start by defining what you want to showcase as an actor:

Do you want to reveal secret thoughts, the search for answers to challenging questions? Or are you looking to be passionate and sincere, in love or disillusioned?… or maybe…

You need something raw, energetic, provocative, and dangerous…

The texts in this book are divided into three specific categories:

Head: What keeps them intrigued.
Guts: What impresses them about you.
Heart: What makes them love you.

And then, there’s one more category that’s a bit unusual but might be useful:

Period piece: This is when they dream about you.

“Pick one from each category and measure the effect they produce in your video book or reel. Change the audience’s perception and surprise them with a variety of registers, with moments worthy of a nomination.”

They are written in relatively neutral Spanish. Some texts may need adaptation to fit the local context. Feel free to modify them as necessary so they sound natural and authentic. The only rule is that they must work better.

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THE BOOK

Francesc Albiol, actor

“Their vast experience in audiovisual work gives us a book like this, where the dignity of the actor is front and center. The title is ‘Monologues for Lead Actors’ because Assumpta and Scott believe that every actor or actress is a lead. Their professional experience is so extensive that it seems they feel the obligation to share it with the world, and that’s something we can feel fortunate about.”

Greg Wise, actor, writer

“Scott and Assumpta have written a series of beautiful and tempting snapshots. This is all we have as actors: brief moments to captivate. Brief glimpses of existence. Intriguing. Seductive. Opaque. Moments loaded with tension that leave the viewer wanting more. These pieces will be an invaluable tool for the actor. An audition is, in essence, a glimpse at a possibility, and within the pages of this book, there is room for almost any possibility: this is a generous gift for the actor. They’ve done their work. Now make their words your own. Good luck.”

Gervasio Iglesias, producer

 “A rollercoaster of great texts that will allow future actors to bring out their best, experimenting with diverse and multifaceted sensations. An essential training manual, engaging and full of technical suggestions that will help every reader grow professionally.”

Pablo Moreno, director, producer, and screenwriter

“If you imagine it, we’ll see it,’ with this motto they offer two volumes filled with texts. Simply reading them makes you want to take the stage and become each of their characters, to repeat them aloud, to be the protagonist. Although it’s designed as a tool to help actors, one can’t help but get hooked and be captivated by each story.”

Víctor Clavijo, actor

“Thank you always for the work of study, in-depth research, and dissemination of acting techniques, exploring new tools for actors.”

María Acero, casting director

 “A big part of our work as actors is to do something we should all do in real life: listen… it is the best weapon for our craft.”