Character: A child asking to keep an imaginary dragon.
Suggested playing age: 7–9.
Tone: Comedic · imaginative.
Length: 106 spoken words; approximately 45–90 seconds.
Casting: any gender; one child speaking to a silent listener.
The age range is a starting point for choosing material. Read the whole piece together and time the actor’s own delivery, including pauses.
The Dragon in the Coat Cupboard: full monologue
Before you get your coat, I need to tell you something. There is a dragon in the cupboard. A small one. Well, he was small when I put him in.
I made him a bed in your boot. He ate the bed. Then he ate the other boot, because he thought it was breakfast. I have explained the difference now.
Please can he stay until tomorrow? I will feed him. I will walk him. You can hold the lead if you want.
Actually, don't open that door yet. Your coat is coming out under it. I think we need to move his bed to the garage.
Who are you talking to?
A parent who is about to open the cupboard.
What you want: Get permission for the dragon to stay one more night.
What changes: A promise that the dragon is tiny becomes an admission that it needs a bigger home.
Three acting questions
- What do you think your parent will say before you begin?
- Which promise do you believe you can really keep?
- What changes when the coat appears under the door?
Try it two ways
Imagine the parent reaches for the handle during your second beat. Keep speaking to stop that hand, without grabbing it or shouting. On the next take, imagine the parent is smiling and see how your promises change.
A parent, teacher or rehearsal partner can be the silent listener. They do not need to supply extra lines. Imagine their answer before moving to the next thought.
Rehearse The Dragon in the Coat Cupboard free
Open the real CueRoom rehearsal room with this exact monologue divided into four thought beats. Practice my lines lets you try the words from memory. Use Prompt when you need the current beat, or choose Listen to the recording to hear the prepared reading.
No account, purchase or replay credits required. The demo has fixed text and a saved voice. You can repeat the same section as often as you need.
Rehearse this monologue free →
No microphone is needed to read, listen or advance manually. Timed hands-free practice is available; optional Voice Control depends on browser support and microphone permission.
A simple way to learn the words
Remember four pictures in order: the closed door, the two boots, the lead, and the coat sliding out. Use each picture to find the next thought, then check the words.
Try one beat before revealing it. Check the wording, correct one small section, then join it to the next beat. The recorded voice offers a reading to practice with; the young actor can use their own natural voice and choices.
For a class or audition
Ask what kind of material is accepted before learning the speech. This is a complete CueRoom original, not an extract from a published play. If the brief requires a named play, choose qualifying material instead. Time the performance yourself for any strict limit; the demo’s waiting time is not an audition timer.
Content: An imaginary pet, eaten boots and a comic surprise; no threatening action.
For a younger reader, explain unfamiliar words before working from memory. Keep the first rehearsal focused on the listener and the request rather than asking for a particular facial expression.
You may use this original for personal rehearsal, classes and auditions that permit original material. Do not republish or sell it as your own. A teacher’s or audition’s specific requirements still apply.
Try another situation
Compare The Worm Hotel with Please Keep the Crooked Star. Read both and choose the situation the actor most wants to explore.
Browse all 12 monologues for kids · Explore monologues for older performers · Plan a monologue rehearsal
Parents and teachers: rehearse your own material
These prepared demos stay free. If you want to import your own scripts, choose reader voices and organize a personal rehearsal library, explore the full CueRoom app.
Considering this piece for an audition? Compare it with the audition monologue shortlist, including source requirements, time-limit checks and contrasting-pair suggestions.
Choosing for a limited performance slot? Compare this 106-word piece with the other short monologue selections, then time your own complete take with the pauses you need.