Classical Monologues for Actors: Portia, Cressida, and Titania

We previously wrote a blog that shared a few choices for contemporary monologues. A few actors noted that this list was really useful, so we thought it might be helpful to also provide a list of a few choices for contemporary monologues:

Portia — Julius Caesar (Act 2, Scene 1)

Is Brutus sick? And is it physical
To walk unbracèd and suck up the humors
Of the dank morning? What, is Brutus sick,
And will he steal out of his wholesome bed
To dare the vile contagion of the night
And tempt the rheumy and unpurgèd air
To add unto his sickness? No, my Brutus,
You have some sick offense within your mind,
Which by the right and virtue of my place
I ought to know of. And upon my knees
I charm you, by my once commended beauty,
By all your vows of love, and that great vow
Which did incorporate and make us one,
That you unfold to me, yourself, your half,
Why you are heavy, and what men tonight
Have had resort to you; for here have been
Some six or seven who did hide their faces
Even from darkness.

I should not need, if you were gentle Brutus.
Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,
Is it excepted I should know no secrets
That appertain to you? Am I your self
But, as it were, in sort or limitation,
To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed,
And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the suburbs
Of your good pleasure? If it be no more,
Portia is Brutus’ harlot, not his wife.

If this were true, then should I know this secret.
I grant I am a woman, but withal
A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife.
I grant I am a woman, but withal
A woman well-reputed, Cato’s daughter.
Think you I am no stronger than my sex,
Being so fathered and so husbanded?
Tell me your counsels; I will not disclose ’em.
I have made strong proof of my constancy,
Giving myself a voluntary wound
Here, in the thigh. Can I bear that with patience,
And not my husband’s secrets? (folger.edu)

Cressida — Troilus and Cressida (Act 3, Scene 2)

Hard to seem won; but I was won, my lord,
With the first glance that ever—pardon me;
If I confess much, you will play the tyrant.
I love you now, but till now not so much
But I might master it. In faith, I lie;
My thoughts were like unbridled children grown
Too headstrong for their mother. See, we fools!
Why have I blabbed? Who shall be true to us
When we are so unsecret to ourselves?
But though I loved you well, I wooed you not;
And yet, good faith, I wished myself a man;
Or that we women had men’s privilege
Of speaking first. Sweet, bid me hold my tongue,
For in this rapture I shall surely speak
The thing I shall repent. See, see, your silence,
Cunning in dumbness, from my weakness draws
My very soul of counsel! Stop my mouth. (folger.edu)

Titania — A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Act 2, Scene 1)

Set your heart at rest:
The Fairyland buys not the child of me.
His mother was a vot’ress of my order,
And in the spicèd Indian air by night
Full often hath she gossiped by my side
And sat with me on Neptune’s yellow sands,
Marking th’ embarkèd traders on the flood,
When we have laughed to see the sails conceive
And grow big-bellied with the wanton wind;
Which she, with pretty and with swimming gait,
Following (her womb then rich with my young squire),
Would imitate and sail upon the land
To fetch me trifles and return again,
As from a voyage, rich with merchandise.
But she, being mortal, of that boy did die,
And for her sake do I rear up her boy,
And for her sake I will not part with him.

There are plenty of great choices for you to choose from — and you can find more here: magazine-article

All of these can be uploaded to the Acting Pal app and transformed by switching to Memorisation Mode, where only the first letter of each word appears. This technique is really popular for learning lines, and many actors have found it useful. You can find a great video on the technique here: youtube-link

See also

• Memorising Monologues with AI
• How to Memorise Lines Fast with AI
• Suggestions for Great Contemporary Monologues

FAQ

How do I choose a classical monologue that fits me?

Look for pieces that match your age range, vocal range, and the casting type you can credibly play. Balance emotional range with clarity of verse speaking, and always check audition requirements.

How can I memorise classical monologues faster?

Use the first-letter mnemonic technique: reduce each word to its initial letter and rehearse from that prompt. Acting Pal’s Memorisation Mode automates this so you can focus on performance.

Can I upload these monologues to Acting Pal?

Yes. Upload the text, switch to Memorisation Mode for initials-only prompts, or use AI voices/teleprompter tools to rehearse.

Are these suitable for drama school or auditions?

Yes—Portia, Cressida, and Titania are respected classical choices. Confirm time limits and verse requirements for each audition before performing.