Take the lead Vol. 1

OFF BOOK Press presents the first Volume of Monologues for Leading Actors. Each piece is unique, original—none come from classic texts or adapted movie scenes. They’ve got a beginning, middle, and end, designed to grab the attention of film and theater professionals with your story.

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

“We wrote each monologue for the actor to shine, whether working on camera or presenting their work on stage. They’re written in a language that makes your performance feel natural and authentic.

Every piece has been tested, revised, and perfected. They work. We want you to show agents and directors something you can own, something you’re proud of. Don’t leave them indifferent—turn their ‘no’ into a ‘yes.’ “

CONTENT

Each text comes with the reason behind its inspiration, plus tips and recommendations on how to film them. Think of it as ‘author’s notes’ so you can perform with full confidence.

The pieces are in relatively neutral Spanish. Some may need adaptation to fit the local context. Feel free to tweak them as needed so they sound natural and authentic. The only rule? Make them work better.

HOW YOU CONNECT EMOTIONALLY

Scott Cleverdon and Assumpta Serna have grouped them based on how they believe they impact the audience:

1. Head: It’s what keeps them intrigued.
2. Guts: It’s what hits them hard.
3. Heart: It’s what makes them root for you.
4. Period Pieces: It’s what makes them dream.

“Pick one from each category and measure the effect they have on your showreel. Change how the viewer sees you and surprise them with a range of performances, moments worthy of a nomination.”

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THE BOOK

Francesc Albiol, actor

“This book has a brutal humanity. It’s not just a technical manual to help an actor dive into their strengths and weaknesses; it’s like an emotional catalog where Assumpta and Scott lay out their emotional alphabet for scientific use in building characters and dramatic situations.

In other words, technical and emotional… that’s no small thing.”

Greg Wise, actor, writer

“Scott and Assumpta have crafted a series of beautiful, tempting snapshots. This is all we have as actors: brief moments to captivate. Brief flashes of existence. Intriguing. Seductive. Opaque. Moments heavy with tension that leave the viewer wanting more.

These pieces will be an invaluable tool for any actor.

A casting is essentially a glimpse into a possibility, and in these pages, there’s room for almost any possibility—this is a generous gift for actors.

They’ve done their work. Now make their words your own.

Good luck.”

Gervasio Iglesias, producer

“A rollercoaster of great texts that will allow aspiring actors to bring out their best while experimenting with diverse and multi-layered emotions. An essential training manual, engaging and filled with technical proposals that will help any reader grow professionally.”

Pablo Moreno, director, producer, and screenwriter

“If you think it, we’ll see it.” With this mantra, they offer two volumes packed with texts. Simply reading them makes you want to get on stage, become each character, repeat them out loud, and take the lead. Despite being conceived as a tool for actors, you can’t help but get hooked and let yourself be carried away by each story.”

Víctor Clavijo, actor

“Thanks always for the effort in studying, deepening, and spreading the art of acting, exploring new tools for actors.”