Elliot Waller: “Shame” by Cheryl L West stood out to me while I was searching for monologues. I picked it because body dysmorphia is something I have struggled with in the past and so I felt as though I should speak up about it. 

Madeline Williams: I picked “The Blues” by Star Finch, I was drawn to its applicability to our current times, and how hopeless it feels living in such a chaotic world.  

Joy Pearl: I chose "Breathe" by Alayna Jacqueline because one of my friends told me to pick something that felt so true to me, I felt like I wrote it. 

Mesgana Alemshowa: I chose "I Don't Want to be Another First Story" by Alayna Jacqueline. I sorted through nearly all of the monologues in both compendiums, but what drew me to "I Don't Want to be Another First Story" was that the monologue scenario was a storyline similar to my own. Not in an exact way, but the character's emotions invoked familiar feelings, almost as if I could imagine myself saying these lines in real life. It felt relatable. 

Rowan Santos: I chose “BALLAD FOR THE LEGENDARY CHILDREN” by Roger Q. Mason. I was drawn to it as it illustrated my life and experience as a BIPOC queer youth. It is a heightened poem that accentuates the crevices of LGBTQ+ experiences. Within this monologue, I confront society's perceptions and how my character transmutes this into power.  Two weeks prior to entering this competition, I attended the 10th Anniversary of the Legendary Children at the Seattle Art Museum. As I watched the fearless conviction everyone possessed, it inspired me to write an article about the event for TeenTix.  In a way, this monologue chose me. 

Devi Anand: I chose “Chuck” by Jonathan Norton because it’s a powerful, dramatic monologue. In many ways it ties into the challenges we face in today’s world, dealing with oppression and what it means to be afraid, and I’ve appreciated exploring that real-world connection. 

Willa Scout: I chose “Say No To The Dress” by Stacy Rose, because as someone who has grown up without a “traditional” type of family, it felt very relatable to me. It can be hard to feel different than those around you, having kids ask you “where’s your dad?” on the playground; and while I am happy where I am and wouldn’t want my family to be any different—it is a complex topic that I am excited to explore and portray to the audience! 

EW: Working through this character and how she feels about her sister was tough for me, I admit. It made me think of ways I have shamed others and not just myself. Getting to understand her was/is a challenge, but I'm working through this by asking the people around me about their opinions on her and how they feel when they listen. 

MW: It is challenging for me to perform without a preexisting character, and I’m working on combining elements of myself and the texts of narrative together. 

JP: Finding ways to actually breathe without getting repetitive and unreal. I am channeling any time I have felt those emotions and some portrayals I have seen of the feelings. 

MA: The character's arc throughout the monologue was a challenge. I think because there’s so much nuance to it, it was tough for me to pinpoint how to deliver it.  Identifying objectives for each line definitely helped.  

RS: Honestly, the whole monologue was challenging for me. My monologue depicts a bold, audacious, confident "queen," yet I'm an exceedingly introverted individual. I personally struggle to express myself and am presumed "unsure" or "timid." It has been a challenge to channel the confidence of my character. I am working through these challenges by presenting my inner self-assurance and disregarding people's perceptions about me on stage. When performing, I constantly attempt to be bold and audacious, similar to my character. 

DA: There are moments in the monologues where there are subtle shifts in tone or language that reflect shifts in emotion. As an actor, it’s been challenging to figure out how to portray those shifts, especially when they’re so small and subtle. But it’s a challenge I’ve enjoyed so far. 

WS: The monologue has a lot of personality to it, and while that brings life and character to the dialogue, it can be difficult to find ways to put your own spin onto material that seems to call for a certain type of performance. But through Seattle Rep’s coaching, I think I have found ways to make it both unique and loyal to the original intentions. 

EW: Freedom is what acting is to me. Expressing yourself through performing arts is so important because for a lot of people it can be an escape and a safe place, it is for me. I love how it’s a great way to tell stories and spread messages. I was lucky to be introduced to theatre at a young age! Acting is a light in my life.   

MW: Acting to me is a way to view the world through many different lenses and perspectives. 

JP: Acting means community. I love how closely it bonds a cast and how a show never leaves you. 

MA: Acting means being vulnerable and embracing it. I think a big part of adolescence is a growing belief that everything is embarrassing, but acting has made me increasingly more comfortable (and used to) sharing these parts of me with the world. 

RS: Acting means opportunity, self-expression, empowerment, and freedom. 

DA: Acting means seeing the world from a new set of eyes. It means stepping into the shoes of your character - no matter how similar or different to you they may be - and understanding their perspective. I’ve understood that acting isn’t about imitating emotion but understanding it and then portraying that emotion in a way that touches your audience. 

WS: Acting has always been a way for me to express myself, both an escape and a home base. Through acting, I have grown as a person and made some of the most meaningful relationships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Performing has always been my passion, and I am always eager to learn more ways to better my craft. 

AC: My biggest takeaway is diving into my acting and getting to work very specifically on a piece, analyzing all the nuances and details to create a whole and complex character. I have improved my acting skills as well as my love for acting. I am so grateful for all the connections and people I have met along the way and the opportunities I have been given to share my voice. 

EW: So far, my biggest takeaway of this experience has been working with people my age and learning how to give and receive constructive criticism.  

MW: My biggest takeaway from the NNMC so far has been how much work and thought goes into performing a narrative piece with conviction. 

JP: Be open and try new things; it will serve you well. 

MA: That everybody here is super talented and extremely dedicated to their craft!  

RS: My biggest takeaway from the NNMC has been learning how to delve into depths I've never explored. Through NNMC, I've learned to be fearlessly bold and channel confidence within my acting. Prior, I would have never imagined acting with a copious amount of sass and audaciousness.  I've truly stepped out of my comfort zone, as there is a stark contrast between my character and me. 

DA: My biggest takeaway from NNMC so far is learning more about how we can use monologues as a way to tell our own stories. I’ve come to learn that monologues aren’t just large blocks of text meant to keep the play going, but they’re glimpses into a character’s true thoughts. And from reading the various NNMC monologues and working on my own, I’ve loved glimpsing into the perspectives of so many different characters. 

WS: It’s always best to step out of your comfort zone, no matter the outcome. The worst thing it can be is a learning experience, so you might as well try new things, meet new people, etc.  

AC: In a world dominated by digital media and AI, theatre is truly special where people can come together and experience something together, live. The live immediacy of everyone in the same room experiencing the same thing at the same time is so special, sharing this piece of art, knowing that every night is different. Theatre gives the unique opportunity for audiences to step inside a character's shoes, getting to experience their thoughts and feelings firsthand, through monologues, song, and dance. Nothing builds empathy as much as theatre does, and the world would be a much better place if everyone sat down and saw a show together. 

EW: Theater is so important because of how welcoming and inclusive the community can be. The feeling of being safe to express yourself in all these different wonderful ways is so important for young people to be able to experience and truly grow. When I was a kindergartener, I was accepted so kindly and now I’m happy to be that person for someone else. 

MW: Theatre helps me and other young people build community around storytelling and find purpose, hope, and strength within each other. 

JP: Theater is supposed to be a safe space, and I believe that young people deserve more spaces like theater where they can explore who they are, learn how to be part of a team, and not be in the house on their phone. 

MA: The community. I think the people in theater are one of the highlights, and a big reason why others choose to stay. It's one of the kindest and most supportive communities for young people and adults alike. 

RS: Theater is critical for youth self-expression. It is empowering to exist within another person's shoes, and you find yourself in the process. Theater helped me find my identity, embrace myself and inspires countless youth to express themselves endlessly. 

 DA: Theatre is important to me and young people today because it’s a way to express ourselves. And more so it’s a way to express our thoughts and feelings about the world we live in. I love how theater is often used as commentary on important issues and controversies. It’s a driving force that spreads a message to audiences and sparks change. 

WS: In this ever-changing world, young people need ways to express themselves and make meaningful connections as we grow and change. I can’t think of any better place to do it than in a rehearsal room. 

AC: I would want to have lunch with my ancestors because I don't know anything about them, and I want to hear their stories, life experiences, and advice. I also would like to have lunch with my grandfather who passed away when I was seven because I feel like I never got to know him well enough and didn't get to spend enough time with him. 

EW: It would be my grandpas on both sides because I never got to meet either of them. My mom lost her father as a teenager and my dad lost his father long before I was born.  My parents speak very highly of them and their big personalities. That would be my dream lunch. 

MW: Probably Fiona Apple or Josh Groban. 

JP: I would have lunch with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown whose idea of "being the first supreme court justice" on Broadway I love and can relate to. 

MA: Stan Lee. (I'm a big Marvel fan). 

DA: I would definitely spend my lunch time with Jack Black. Who wouldn’t want to have lunch with the king of comedy gold?