100 Monologues is a project where I’m writing monologue scripts, performing, and filming the pieces. Since I’m beginning to dabble in acting, the project is meant as a means for me to acquire more acting experience where I can work on refining my craft. You can find out more about the project here.

Below is the script from the “Dreams (of writing)” monologue. The script isn’t exact to my performance above, but my performance is based on it. If you’re a student who would like to perform this monologue for class, just make sure you credit me, Maggie Coyle, as the author. For any other use of the script, please contact me.

100 Monologues: #2 Dreams (of writing)

Written by Maggie Coyle

When I was a kid, everyone told me that anything was possible, that I could do anything. I grew up thinking about how I’d change the world some day, and that seemed completely believable. I wasn’t sure how I’d change the world – I mean I was told I could be anything I wanted to be when I grew up, so I thought I’d be a ballerina or a princess, and I suppose I would change the world that way somehow. But then I fell in love with literature and reading, and then I started thinking that I’d become a writer some day. I discovered the power of the written word and thought about how I could change peoples’ lives with my stories. So I spent countless nights scribbling away in journals and spiral notebooks. I wrote down every poem and story that came to my head. My pen devoured pages. I was hungry for writing and couldn’t get enough of it.

Then I went to college. The professors and my peers tried to wake me up so I’d quit dreaming about becoming a novelist. And it almost worked, until I realized what was going on. They were telling me that I wouldn’t make it. That I wouldn’t be able to make a living off my writing, because no one these days really could. My professors were jaded because they weren’t full-time writers, and my peers were trying to cut down their competition. But you know…I still couldn’t wake up from my dreams.

I realized that I had become an adult, and suddenly the world was telling me that I have limits, that the world is more confined and the sky is no longer the limit. And that got me thinking, why was everyone talking to me when I was a kid with open arms and encouragement? What happened to that? Is this some sort of sick joke for the youth?

Well I say ignore that. Ignore the people trying to discourage you now. I was told I would do great things, and by god, I will do great things. I will become whatever I want to become. And I will do what my heart always knew I’d be destined to do. I say enough of the Debbie Downers, and enough of the cynics who just like to stomp on other people’s dreams.

I’m not going to give up on my dreams. I don’t think anyone else should.