Ah, the drama, the comedy, the cash! Two monologue competitions next week

The heat has officially been turned way up on the lowly monologue. Next week, audiences will have two chances to cheer on their favorite performers as they compete for the adoration of the crowd, the approval of judges, and cash prizes.

On Monday, September 1st, Unexpected Stage Company hosts its second Monologue Fest at the Rí Rá Irish Pub in  Bethesda, Md. This will be a fundraiser for Unexpected’s summer show in Silver Spring, The Lady in the Van, a play inspired by the true story of a homeless woman who took up residence in the playwright’s (Alan Bennett, The History Boys) garden for 15 years.

Unexpected Theatre expects nearly a dozen competitors Monday night, vying for the $100 cash prize. The audience will vote to determine who moves to the final round to face judges Daniel Pruksarnukul (Arena Stage casting director), acclaimed DC actress Donna Migliaccio; Neal Racioppo (Director of Marketing at Arena Stage) and Monologue Fest 2012 winner Dorea Schmidt.

Monologue Fest .  Monday, April 1, 2013, starting at 7pm at Rí Rá Irish Pub, 4931 Elm Street, Bethesda, Md. $15 for general audience ($10 for theatre professionals).  Tickets available at the door. For information, call 301-337-8290.

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From there, monologue fans can move on to the final showdown for the third annual Monologue Madness 2013, hosted by founder/actor Edward Daniels. The brackets have been revealed for the final 32 competitors starting the first round of the evening out of four, Comedy.  Winners of these rounds move on through Drama and Classic rounds to the  final round, the “cold read”. The winner receives the top prize of $1,000 and the runners-up receive significant career-building prizes.

Monologue Madness Championship Sunday is Sunday, April 7 from 6 – 8pm at The Miracle Theatre, 535 8th Street SE, Washington DC. (near the Eastern Market metro stop.)  Tickets start at $15.  Details and tickets.