Monologues for actors of color

Published in 2000, Monologues for Actors of Color was curated by Roberta Uno as a response to the systemic lack of diverse material available for theater students and professional actors in auditions and workshops. At the time of its release, the industry standard for monologue anthologies remained heavily focused on classical Western plays, often excluding the voices and experiences of writers of color. This collection was intended to fill that void by providing high-quality, contemporary performance pieces that reflect a broader spectrum of identity and cultural history.

Roberta Uno, a prominent theater director and educator, selected works from a wide array of playwrights to ensure that the book functioned as both an essential audition resource and a pedagogical tool. The collection features excerpts that allow actors to showcase emotional range and technical proficiency while engaging with narratives that are frequently sidelined in traditional curricula. It has since become a staple in university acting programs, recognized for its contribution to diversifying the American theater landscape and its role in moving beyond stereotypical archetypes.