ERSTWHILE [A MONOLOGUE]

by Steven G. Martin

ONE-ACT FEAR AND REGRET DRAMA. In this monologue, Garrett mentors a new volunteer who will take over his role at the weekly community dinner organized by the local church in their small Indiana hamlet. He guides her through the processes of placing meals into bags, tracking progress, understanding when it’s time to end, and acting with intention. Erstwhile is about recognizing who we were in the past, who we are...

ONE-ACT FEAR AND REGRET DRAMA. In this monologue, Garrett mentors a new volunteer who will take over his role at the weekly community dinner organized by the local church in their small Indiana hamlet. He guides her through the processes of placing meals into bags, tracking progress, understanding when it’s time to end, and acting with intention. Erstwhile is about recognizing who we were in the past, who we are in the present, and that we can impact who we will be in the future.

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ERSTWHILE [A MONOLOGUE]

Recommended by

  • Matthew Weaver: ERSTWHILE [A MONOLOGUE] by Steven G. Martin
    “

    As someone who frequently pesters Steven G. Martin for another BENNY V.-sized full-length play, here Martin delivers a masterpiece in miniature, crafting an exquisite monologue that delves into Garrett's processes and leaves we the audience wholly touched, and also worried about his future. Theater teachers, share this with your students so that they can see what monologues can DO.

    As someone who frequently pesters Steven G. Martin for another BENNY V.-sized full-length play, here Martin delivers a masterpiece in miniature, crafting an exquisite monologue that delves into Garrett's processes and leaves we the audience wholly touched, and also worried about his future. Theater teachers, share this with your students so that they can see what monologues can DO.

    ”
  • Georgia Xanthopoulou: ERSTWHILE [A MONOLOGUE] by Steven G. Martin
    “

    Steve Martin pens with great craftsmanship a drama about Garret who suffers from his erstwhile self. Past does not belong totally to past, past shapes, to a certain extent, our present lives and this is the case here. His erstwhile self becomes his internal demon. Haunting and introspective! Amazing work.

    Steve Martin pens with great craftsmanship a drama about Garret who suffers from his erstwhile self. Past does not belong totally to past, past shapes, to a certain extent, our present lives and this is the case here. His erstwhile self becomes his internal demon. Haunting and introspective! Amazing work.

    ”
  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: ERSTWHILE [A MONOLOGUE] by Steven G. Martin
    “

    Oh my goodness, this monologue. Garrett has worked so hard to turn his life around, but you can tell he still struggles internally and some days are tougher battles than others. The most amazing thing about this monologue is how you pick up on it without Garrett saying anything overtly. This kind of writing is an actor's dream.

    Oh my goodness, this monologue. Garrett has worked so hard to turn his life around, but you can tell he still struggles internally and some days are tougher battles than others. The most amazing thing about this monologue is how you pick up on it without Garrett saying anything overtly. This kind of writing is an actor's dream.

    ”
View all 15 recommendations

Character Information

  • GARRETT
    He is volunteering for the final time at the community dinner. He wears a hair net, a sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers.
    35 to 55 years old
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, Playwrights Thriving's "Playwrights Delight" virtual reading, 2026