Monologue Competition

About

The CDA Monologue Competition is an awesome opportunity for students to perform, compete, and get feedback on a monologue of their choice (see rules for details). Please join us for this special state-wide event!

How does the competition run?

Prior to the event, students should prepare one monologue of no more than 2 minutes in length from a published play. Once the competition begins, students will be broken up into two groups. Each student will get called up to perform their monologue for 2 different sets of adjudicators who will provide written feedback. After performing for one set of adjudicators, the groups will switch to perform their monologue a second time for the other. While the adjudicators deliberate, there may be a workshop or fun activity for students. Adjudicators will award up to twelve students whose monologues they find to be exemplary. Winners will perform their monologues a third time for everyone. The event typically runs on a Saturday from 10am-3pm; whether lunch will be provided is dependent on the host.

Why should I sign up?

Win or lose, this is an excellent opportunity for your students to prepare for both college and professional auditions. In addition to receiving written feedback on their monologues and getting first-hand audition/performance experience, it's also a great way to expose students to a variety of performances and meet students like themselves from around the state.

Who is eligible to participate?

If you are a high school student, you are eligible to participate: everyone is welcome! You do not need to be a CDA member to participate, but you do need to sign up!

When and where is the competition being held?

The 2026 Monologue Competition will be held on October 31st, 2026 at UCONN's Nafe Katter Theatre: 820 Bolton Rd, Storrs Mansfield, CT  06268.

How much does it cost to sign up?

Registration is $10/student for Member Schools, and $15/student for Non-Member Schools.

Rules:

1. Monologues must be from a published play (while the monologue may be from a published musical, the piece itself may not have music or singing in it)

2. Monologues must be no longer than 2 minutes in order to be eligible to win

3. Monologue content must meet the standards of the school the student attends

4. No use of props or costumes other than a chair (provided).

How to enter:

The adult sponsor for the students' school should make a copy of and complete the below registration form and submit it digitally, as well as a single mailed check to the CT Drama Association's mailing address. 

The evaluation sheet the adjudicators will be using can be found below the registration form.