It seems that the only thing Spalding Gray does not do is sing.

But he might even do that when he takes a shower.

Gray, 40, is a New York actor and writer who will perform in Schwab Auditorium at 8 p.m. tonight. Last night, the University was introduced to Spalding Gray's work through a movie and discussion.

Gray, who describes himself as a monologuist because he resents being called a comedian, will deliver his 13th monologue, "Monster in a Box," which has achieved nationwide popularity.

The art of what Gray does is the actual telling of a story. He calls this art form poetic journalism, not comedy.

Gray's poetic journalism is consistent each time he performs. The sets are kept the same, with Gray sitting at a table on which there is a cardboard box. He also dresses in the same plaid shirt and black slacks and has the script virtually memorized. Because there is no improvisation, his monologues are more like rehearsed plays than impromptu comedy acts.

Tonight's monologue recalls the "monster" in Gray's cardboard box, which turns out to be Gray's first novel, "Impossible Vacation." During the act, Gray explains the novel and all the interruptions in his life that hindered the writing of the book. Finally finished, the novel numbers about 1,600 pages.

"Monster in a Box" opened in November at The Mitzi Newhouse Theater in New York City, and closed at Lincoln Center last month.

In the monologues, Gray uses ordinary experiences of his daily life to entertain his audience. Some of his anecdotes are serious, while others are amusing.

Last night, in preparation for Gray's performance, the Center for the Performing Arts showed Jonathan Demme's film version of "Swimming to Cambodia," a monologue which won an Obie --an award recognizing achievements in off- and off-off-Broadway theaters. The monologue dealt with atrocities of Gray's experience in Thailand while making the film, "The Killing Fields," in which he played a U.S. ambassador. Gray has also had roles in "Beaches," "Clara's Heart" and "True Stories."

"Swimming to Cambodia" as a film differs from Gray's original stage show because it flashes back to scenes of "The Killing Fields." Also, the different sound effects and lighting in the film change the overall performance, which draws in the audience, said Kim Thomas, a video clerk at Mike's Video, 228 W. College Ave.

CPA Director Ken Foster said that Gray had been scheduled to perform on campus for more than a year. Originally, Gray was booked to perform the monologue "Terrors of Pleasure," which is about the hassles of buying a house. But because of the rave reviews received by "Monster in a Box," the center switched the scheduled performance.

"I thought it was magnificent," said Foster, who recently saw Gray's performance of "Monster in the Box" in New York City.