These 94 gender-specific monologues are all original, recently produced works not found in other published versions. Suitable for classroom discussion, performance or audition, the chapters are divided into "thematic" ages from The Age of Innocence through The Golden Age. Each monologue includes a brief character analysis and an appropriate age range to help promote authentic character portraits in performance. Featured authors include both well-established writers who voice traditional views on current women's issues and new, contemporary writers who offer fresh and provocative insights on similar topics. One of the special features of this monologue collection is the final chapter, New Voices, which introduces monologue characters written specifically for auditions, contests or public readings. In addition, there are a number of duologs, or brief scenes for two performers, included at the end of each chapter to help you polish your performance skills with a partner.