Magnificent Monologues for Kids: The Kids' Monologue Source for Every Occasion! by Chambers Stevens, Renee Rolle-Whatley (Editor), Steven Woolf (Foreword by)

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Synopsis

Magnificent Monologues for Kids provides 5-12 year-olds with original age-appropriate comedic and dramatic monologues, all 100% kid tested. Chambers Stevens, Los Angeles' premiere kids acting coach, introduces young actors to the joys and how-to's of performing monologues in preparation of auditions and classroom oral language presentations. More than 50 kid-friendly monologues are incorporated. Each monologue is named and subtitled for quick content perusal. A glossary of up-to-date industry terms, index and bibliography of magnificent performances by child actors in film are also included as a study and motivation aid. In the foreword, Steven Woolf, renowned repertory theater director, discusses the role of monologues in the development of today's actor. Monologues in the book are all original, easy to read, easy to understand, require a minimum of props and work in impromptu settings. Perfect for teachers of theater arts and language arts/speech, parents and counselors interested in increasing the self-confidence and self esteem of young people through the performance arts. Great for classroom, variety talent shows, parties, competitions, and ultimately, auditions.

There are many techniques used by parents, teachers and agents of social services to provide young people with tools they can utilize to promote self esteem and build self confidence. None are quite so affective as those which encompass the performing arts. Children are performers, almost by definition. They process their ever-changing, ever-growing world view by "acting out" what they see, hear, absorb. This makes the performing arts ideal for children. They become free to express attitudes, mannerisms and ways of being which they see as defining both themselves, as they are, and themselves, as they wish they could be. Our title, Magnificent Monologues for Kids, affords the curious child the opportunity for self-motivated expression. All the monologues were tested with kids; all absolutely loved performing them. Why? Chamber's unique ability to tap into the mindset of his students and express their world view, their way. These monologues, and the advice offered by Chambers, become pocketpals for avid student thespians. In the end, it's the realism kids hear expressed in his words that they clamor to act out in their own voice, in their own way. These monologues then are not only catalysts for confidence-building experiences, but also agents for building self esteem through the hands-on orientation endemic to the performing arts. As a publisher of quality material for children, we couldn't be more pleased to present this series, Hollywood 101, and its first title, Magnificent Monologues for Kids. Look for The Ultimate Commercial Book for Kids and Teens, too, and see just how much we can say in five short sentences!

Annotation

A collection of short monologues for boys and girls, dealing with such topics as pets, parents, friends, and school.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-5-The author's stated intent is to present a series of monologues that children can perform, and sound like actual children while doing so. The pieces are divided between those designated for girls (26 entries) and those for boys (25 pieces). In many cases, the gender is not important, and the divisions may only serve to limit young performers' choices. All of the selections are brief, ranging from a half page to a page and a half. Many focus on typical childhood situations-relationships with parents, siblings, and friends-but a few stretch to fairy-tale or alien scenarios. The characters represent a range of personalities, from those in need of a helping hand to others who are selfish and demanding. While references to current TV-show characters, brand names, movies, and toys give a contemporary feel to the pieces, they will also date them. A helpful glossary defines stage terms in simple language and is followed by a list of movies with good performances by children, suggested as study pieces. Libraries needing material for acting classes, clubs, or youngsters who audition for roles may want to include this book in their collection.-Darcy Schild, Schwegler Elementary School, Lawrence, KS Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

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Biography

Emmy Nominee Chambers Stevens is one of Los Angeles' top kids acting coaches. He has coached thousands of young actors for shows on Nickelodeon, Disney, CBS, NBC, ABC, WB, plus countless films, theater productions and commercials. Chambers is a graduate of The Conservatory of Theater Arts at Webster University & the founder of The Nashville Shakespeare Festival now in its 16th year.

As a television actor, Chambers has appeared in over 50 commercials including Pepsi(r), Coke(r), Apple Computers(r), Burger King(r), and General Motors(r). He's also appeared on soaps (The Young and the Restless), sitcoms (Dear John), and pilots (CBS's Arly Hanks) to name just three. He's starred in The Steve Spots, which received 6 Emmys and a George Peabody Award, Funnybones which received an Emmy for "Outstanding Children's Program", and Geoscout for which he received a personal Emmy nomination as "Outstanding Actor in a Children's Series."

As a theater actor, Chambers has performed in over a hundred theater productions (including Romeo and Juliet-3 times, Midsummer's Night Dream-3 times, Biloxi Blues, West Side Story, and Brighton Beach Memoirs). He is the recipient of the Geoffrey Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Drew in Eastern Standard, and the prestigious Backstage Garland Award for his one-man show Desperate for Magic (Elderidge Publishing). Chambers performed in the West Coast premieres of two more one-man shows, Chesapeake by Lee Blessing, and My Son Susie by Cheryl Royce.

As a playwright, Chambers has won both the Ingram Fellowship and the Tennessee Arts Commission Individual Artist Award. His play Real Life has been touring high schools for 15 years and has been performed for over a quarter of a million people. His play Mother of Pearl premiered at The Company of Angels in LA (I.E. Clark Publishing). In 2002, he had two world premiere productions. Travels with Jack Lemmon's Dog opened at The North Star Theatre in New Orleans, and Bing Bang Boom played to sold out houses at the University of Florida. His newest play, Shaw and Twain Do Lunch, won Best New Play Award from The Long Beach Playhouse. Chambers wrote and directed the film Children of a Laughing God which premiered at the West Virginia International Film Festival.

As an author and teacher, Chambers has written 6 highly acclaimed "Hollywood 101" series books for young performers looking for original material & practical advice. (Sandcastle Publishing). He is also the 2005-2006 School Author of the Year for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

Chambers lives in Hollywood, CA, and is a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He's married to film and theatre producer Betsy Sullenger. They have two "children", Ziggy and Daisy (who just happen to be cats).