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 “Close Your Eyes and Pretend” monologue. 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: #29 Close Your Eyes and Pretend

Have you ever wished that you were someone else? That you could just leave behind your old life, and start all over again? Completely different. Who doesn’t? Sometimes I close my eyes and pretend that I’ve gone down a different path. Instead of growing up a shy, timid young thing, I’m fearless and unafraid. I take chances. I say “I love you” without knowing what I’ll hear in return. I stand up for myself when someone pushes me, or says something awful and cruel about the way I look. I don’t quietly ignore the negative and ugly comments that are directed at me. I confront them, rattle them up a bit, let them know who’s boss. And then I feel that wonderful feeling of accomplishment, of relief. That I’ve taken care of something, addressed it. I smile, and then I open my eyes and realize I haven’t lived out all those gloriously brave things I imagined. But you know what? Even though it isn’t real, it makes me realize that I have a chance to turn those actions into reality.