How does StageAgent classify a monologue or scene as contemporary vs. classical?

At StageAgent, we help users find audition and study material that fits their needs—including by categorizing content as contemporary or classical. Here’s how we determine those labels:

🎭 Classification Guidelines

• Classical:

  Monologues and scenes from plays first produced before 1900 are typically labeled as classical. This includes works from:

  
  
  • Ancient Greek and Roman periods
  • Shakespearean and Elizabethan theatre
  • Restoration theatre

  • 18th and 19th-century works

    
    

• Contemporary:

  Monologues and scenes from plays produced in 1900 or later are generally considered contemporary.

🕰 Exceptions and Gray Areas

Some pieces from the early 20th century—especially from the Victorian and Edwardian periods—are still categorized as classical due to their language style, formality, or historical context. We make these distinctions carefully to reflect how the material is typically used in auditions and education settings.

📅 Find the Production Year

Each StageAgent show guide includes a “Show Information” section that lists the year the play was first produced. This can help you determine whether the material fits your needs for classical or contemporary auditions.