There’s nowhere to hide in a one-person play. There’s no scene partner to bail you out, no chorus to blend into—just you, the stage, and an audience. It’s equal parts terrifying and thrilling, which is exactly why solo shows are such a great way to showcase your talent.
Here are 10 standout solo plays, each demanding a different set of skills, from rapid character shifts to emotional depth.
1. “Thom Pain (based on nothing)” by Will Eno
Great for: Dark humor, existential monologues
This play is a wild ride through the fragmented thoughts of Thom Pain, a man grappling with the absurdity of life. It’s witty, bleak, and demanding of an actor who can keep an audience engaged—even when the monologue veers into painfully awkward territory. If you like the idea of making people laugh and then immediately regret laughing, this one’s for you.
2. “Fleabag” by Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Great for: Rapid-fire storytelling, breaking the fourth wall
Yes, “Fleabag” started as a one-woman show before becoming the Emmy-winning phenomenon. This is a dream role for any actor who can seamlessly switch between self-deprecating humor and devastating vulnerability. The character’s direct address to the audience makes this a master class in comedic timing and emotional authenticity.
3. “Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillan, with Jonny Donahoe
Great for: Audience interaction, improvisation
The audience participation in this play means you’ll never have to do the same show twice. “Every Brilliant Thing” tells the story of a child growing up with a mother struggling with depression, listing all the wonderful things in life as a way to cope. The actor needs to be warm, spontaneous, and deeply present. Improv skills are a must.
Everything You Need To Know About Improv4. “I Am My Own Wife” by Doug Wright
Great for: Transformational acting, historical storytelling, playing multiple roles
This Pulitzer Prize–winning play follows Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a transgender woman who survived both the Nazis and the Stasi in East Berlin. The actor portrays over 30 characters, switching seamlessly between accents, ages, and genders. Did someone say versatility?
5. “Buyer & Cellar” by Jonathan Tolins
Great for: Comedy, celebrity impersonation (kind of), delivering sharp, satirical dialogue
Ever wondered what it would be like to work in Barbra Streisand’s underground mall? This hilarious one-person play imagines just that. The actor must juggle multiple voices, including Streisand’s, while navigating a script packed with quick-witted humor and heartfelt moments.
6. “The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey” by Celeste Lecesne
Great for: Character-driven storytelling, playing multiple roles
This poignant play follows a detective investigating the disappearance of a flamboyant, unforgettable teen. The actor plays all the characters in the town, shifting between them with distinct voices and physicality.
7. “Grounded” by George Brant
Great for: Intensity, internal conflict, sustaining high-stakes drama
A female fighter pilot is reassigned to operate military drones from a trailer in the Nevada desert, as she struggles with the detachment of remote warfare. This is a tour de force role that demands raw emotion, laser-sharp focus, and the ability to hold an audience captive with just your voice and presence.
8. “Wake Up and Smell the Coffee” by Eric Bogosian
Great for: High-energy monologues, biting social satire, playing eccentric characters
Bogosian’s solo shows are legendary, filled with sharp critiques of modern life. This one demands an actor with stamina, charisma, and the ability to command the stage with relentless energy. If you want a role that lets you rant, charm, and provoke all at once, this is it.
9. “No Child…” by Nilaja Sun
Great for: Physical transformation, dialect work, embodying diverse characters
In this semi-autobiographical play, a teaching artist in a New York City public school embodies students, teachers, and administrators, bringing an entire classroom to life. This piece needs an actor with extraordinary versatility and deep empathy to switch between characters.
10. “A Bronx Tale” by Chazz Palminteri
Great for: Storytelling, playing tough yet heartfelt characters
Before the Robert De Niro film and Broadway musical, “A Bronx Tale” was a solo play. It’s a gripping coming-of-age story about growing up in the Bronx, torn between the influence of a mob boss and a hardworking father. The role requires an actor who can seamlessly embody multiple characters and deliver a compelling, personal narrative.
Looking for more insight on solo performance? Check out our comprehensive guide to one-person shows to perfect your craft.
