Provides a collection of monologues along with information on language, words, and verse used by Shakespeare. Grade 7 Up–These monologues are divided into three sections: those for female actors, male actors, or either. They are further subdivided into comedies, histories, and tragedies. These excerpts were chosen because the speakers are young or because they address issues of importance to young people. They range in length from 15 seconds to 2 minutes. The genius of this book is in the introduction, which offers a wealth of information for teens who have never encountered Shakespeare. The editors make him accessible by explaining his use of language, words, and verse. They demystify iambic pentameter and the use of thee and thou and clear up some of the confusion of Renaissance grammar and spelling. They then explain the common elements of all speeches and use the Bard's own words in "Hamlet's Speech to the Players" to best explain how to act. Some useful tips for auditions and suggestions on how to best use the book are included. Although there are many other collections of Shakespeare's monologues available, this one stands out because of its focus on young actors. –Carol Durusau, Newton County Public Library, Covington, GA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Of The Ultimate Audition Book for Teens Volume 1 "Young actors who have searched for audition material written in the voice of teenage characters will welcome this resource. .. young performers will find much in this diverse compendium of characters and settings to use immediately..." --Booklist Of The Ultimate Audition Book for Teens Volume 2 "This collection of monologues features relevant topics and issues that young people face, providing actors with a broad array of personalities to explore . . . A valuable resource for Teachers and Students alike." --School Library Journal Of The Ultimate Audition Book for Teens Volume 4 "Any teen looking for audition material will love this book . . . Lamedman provides both boys and girls with monologues . . . that allow them to use their acting abilities to the fullest." --School Library Journal Of The Ultimate Audition Book for Teens Volume 2 "This collection of monologues features relevant topics and issues that young people face, providing actors with a broad array of personalities to explore . . . A valuable resource for Teachers and Students alike." --School Library Journal Of The Ultimate Audition Book for Teens Volume 4 "Any teen looking for audition material will love this book . . . Lamedman provides both boys and girls with monologues . . . that allow them to use their acting abilities to the fullest." --School Library Journal LISA BANSAVAGE is an actress whose career comprises Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theater, film, television, and national commercial credits including Master Class, The Sisters Rosenweig, and a third of the full Shakespearean canon as well as a role opposite Sir Anthony Quayle in the BBC-London production of An Exchange of Gifts. She is a graduate of Carnegie-Mellon University's theater conservatory and holds a Master's in Theater from the University of Pittsburgh where she was the Merrill Fellow. L. E. McCULLOUGH, PhD is an educator, playwright, composer, and ethnomusicologist whose studies in music and folklore have spanned cultures throughout the world. He is the author of twenty books of plays, monologues, and scenes for Smith and Kraus. L. E. now has 17 titles in print for young actors. JILL SWANSON is an actor and teacher with the Austin Shakespeare Festival in Austin, TX. She has been involved in several noteable performances, including Desdemona in Othello , Oberon in A Midsummer's Night's Dream and Beatrice in " Much Ado About Nothing . Nothing has taught her more about performing Shakespeare than teaching kids for Austing Shakespeare Festival, St. Stephen's Episcopal School's Arts on the Lake program. Used Book in Good Condition