The View from the Stage: 75 Monologues for Neurodivergent Actors

Finally, monologues for neurodivergent actors, written by a neurodivergent actor. Have you ever noticed how many neurodivergent people are also theatre people? And vice versa? There’s a reason for that. Theatre demands outside-the-box thinking. Lots of neurodivergent people go into the performing arts. And yet, there aren’t enough resources for this community.It’s time for that to change. The View from the Stage features 75 audition-friendly monologues with neurodivergent characters. And not just any neurodivergent characters, but neurodivergent characters with compelling stories. Too often, such characters are punchlines. Or people who only exist to help a neurotypical character grow. This book avoids those pitfalls and treats neurodivergent characters as complex, well-rounded people.What will you find in this book?The View from the Stage gives you monologues for auditions and acting classes. They come in different types, lengths, and genres.Some monologues feature specific neurotypes, so you’ll find:monologues for autistic actorsmonologues for actors with ADHDmonologues for actors with Down Syndromemonologues for actors with OCDmonologues for actors with schizophreniamonologues for several other neurotypesFull disclosure: Not every neurotype is featured by name. Instead, to cover a broad range of experiences, many characters do not name their neurotypes at all. Rather, they show traits that many neurodivergent people share, including: feeling out of placesensory processing issuesmaskingliteral thinkingsocial differencescommunication differencesother traitsThis book for neurodivergent actors features two types of monologues: comedic monologues and dramatic monologues. This type of resource is tough to find. Most monologues for actors don’t feature neurodivergence at all. Many neurodivergent resources are made for kids, not adults. And when adults are featured, they are either infantilized or reduced to a single trait. The View from the Stage is different. Every character within this book is an adult and is treated like one. Characters with Down Syndrome curse. ADHD characters face more than outside distractions. Autistic characters drink alcohol.More importantly, each character is complex. Each one is written with respect and care. All are treated like multifaceted, nuanced humans. And that’s because this book was written by a neurodivergent actor. When it comes to monologues for neurodivergent performers, Lynn Seymour knows all too well what has been missing for so long. That’s why, in this monologue book, neurodivergence is always baked into the story but never treated like a tragedy or an insult. Each character is a main character in their own right. They do not exist just to inspire or amuse a neurotypical person.What else sets these audition monologues apart? Lynn Seymour is not just a neurodivergent person. She’s also an actor. She knows how tough it is to find the right monologue. Lynn has extensive experience helping fellow actors, having written two other monologue books and a guide to overcoming audition nerves. Lynn wrote The View from the Stage with professional actors in mind.That’s also why these monologues have context. They’re not mere speeches or anecdotes. But because they are original, they will help you stand out in the audition room.Neurodivergent stage actors deserve better monologues. This book provides a crucial step in the right direction.Whether you’re auditioning for a neurodivergent character, or just want more monologues that you can relate to, The View from the Stage has what you need. Read more