Author: Bill Thomas Publisher: AuthorHouse ISBN: 1468501925 Category : Performing Arts Languages : en Pages : 400
Book Description
A book about a struggling actor who mumbles, tumbles, and fumbles his way through acting school and reperatory and touring theatre in England in the early 20th century A Book for Theatre Lovers This novel takes place in England in the early 20th century. It features numerous on-and-off stage adventures of an acting aspirants youth and theatrical encounters with a magician, stowing away on a shipload of touring actors, attending acting school, serving as an apprentice with the Birmingham and Liverpool Repertory Companies, and touring with a fit-up. It is an extraordinary, evolutionary education in theatre from the very basic stage movements to the plots of scores of contemporary productions, the characterizations of stage performers, chores of backstage crew, and problems and issues faced by Thespians of the time. Books may be obtained through the publisher, AuthorHouse; Amazon and Barnes & Noble and as an ebook or from the author at [email protected]. A Sample of Reviews Upstage, Downstage, Cross is, just like the title, a delightful and sparkling account of an English boys love affair with the theatre and his wacky and wild, albeit imaginative attempts to become an actor in spite of family opposition and his own unexpected limitations in the art of actingIf you are an aficionado or love English theatre, youll be riveted by the stories of the theatre in the period before WWWI, through the war and its aftermath. This was a period of transition from the days when there were dozens of theatre companies touring Britain and it was the entertainment of masses, to the beginning and then rise of the moving pictures that drew away the usual theatre audiences to the moviesThe style of the book is sparkling with wit and adventure and vignettes of the theatre. Bill Thomas writes in the wonderful tradition of English authors, although he does avoid the Dickensonsian downers. His story is populated with good people, which is a breath of fresh air. Pick up this book and enjoy. Adriana Renescu, Author Your affection for the Bard and English theatre shines through in every way. I particularly dig stowing away on the Lusitania Great StuffOne thing I learned is that I definitely dont want to be a stage manager. Much too hard. Your attention to detail is ever impressive. John Hall, former feature writer, Orange County Register I found your book a very insightful look into life in middle class England during the early 20th century. I enjoyed the way you incorporated a wealth of historical information into a delightful story of a young boy coming of age while pursuing his dreams of becoming an actor. ..I also learned much about the development of English theatre and the way the medium transitioned from the classical and vaudevillian to real life dramasOverall; I was greatly impressed by the depth of research evidenced in the novel regarding English theatre and its influence on society during that period of tumultuous change. John DeNizio, member, San Clemente Book Club he writes of a theatre world that no longer exists, but he captures the excitement of that era through his main character, who has a love for the theatre and lets nothing stand in his way to be an actor. Reading Bills book I realized I was being led by a master writer. His descriptions and detail can only come from one who has seen and retained what he saw and heard. His writing reveals a wit that has been fine tuned with a long and fruitful life. Herman Sillas, Attorney and writer.
Author: Judd Woldin Publisher: Samuel French, Inc. ISBN: 9780573629990 Category : Drama Languages : en Pages : 96
Book Description
Love and loyalty in the heyday of the 1930's Harlem renaissance, a tale set to a bubbling jazz score, won rave reviews Off Broadway. The downtown mob is threatening to take over the uptown numbers game. Only Hamlet Hitchcock Jones, known as Little Ham, stands in their way. A smooth operator with big dreams and fast feet, he rallies his neighbors and wins his lady love.
Author: Louis E. Catron Publisher: Waveland Press ISBN: 1478629509 Category : Performing Arts Languages : en Pages : 367
Book Description
The pursuit of excellence in theatre is well served by the latest edition of this eminently readable text by two directors with wide-ranging experience. In an engaging, conversational manner, the authors deftly combine a focus on artistic vision with a practical, organized methodology that allows beginning and established directors to bring a creative script interpretation to life for an audience.
Author: Cassie Abate Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing ISBN: 1350193364 Category : Performing Arts Languages : en Pages : 217
Book Description
What does a musical theatre choreographer actually do? They just 'make up the steps', right? This book firstly debunks the misunderstandings around what musical theatre choreographers actually do, demonstrating their need to have an in-depth understanding of storytelling, music theory, performance practices and plot structure in order to create movement that enhances and enlivens the musical. Secondly, it equips the musical theatre choreographer with all the tools needed to create nuanced, informed and inspired movement for productions, through structured activities that build specific skills (such as 'notating the script' and 'scoring the score'). Traditionally, this training has been something of a series of secrets, passed from mentor to apprentice. The author demystifies the process to make the previously undisclosed “tricks of the trade” accessible to all choreographers, everywhere. Covering the entire process of choreographing a musical from the first script reading to the final curtain call, this book makes case for the absolute integrity of the choreographer to any musical theatre production and sets out the theoretical principles of choreography alongside the practical application during every step of the production process.
Author: Steven Louis Shelley Publisher: CRC Press ISBN: 1135902283 Category : Performing Arts Languages : en Pages : 588
Book Description
Combining theory and application, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting provides a comprehensive analysis of lighting systems along with examples and illustrations of the technical tools and methods used in the industry. An entertaining and educational read, author Steven Louis Shelley draws from his 35+ years of diverse experience to explain how to get the job done along with real-life examples of projects from start to finish. Learn why some techniques are successful while others fail with 'Shelley's Notes' and 'Shelley's Soapbox,' all with a humor that guides you through complex problems and concepts. Highlights include: -Over 100 new topics, including analysis and application of the three categories of collaboration; a detailed examination of production meetings and one-on-one meetings; and meeting checklists with management and the creative team. -Over 50 new illustrations, including Shelley's Periodic Table of Fundamental Lighting Systems; groundplans, sections, and front elevations that illustrate basic system wash configurations for each direction of light. -Analysis, calculation, and step-by-step technical construction of each lighting system in the Hokey light plot. -Explanation of a manufacturer's cut sheet, and how to apply basic formulas to determine the beam size, footcandles, and gel transmission for lighting instruments. -Updated process of pre-programming computer lighting consoles prior to the load-in. -Comprehensive overview of archiving paperwork and softcopy for a production. Students and professionals will benefit from experience-based tips and techniques to prepare and execute a lighting design, along with learning how to avoid common traps.
Author: Tom Stoppard Publisher: Grove/Atlantic, Inc. ISBN: 155584894X Category : Drama Languages : en Pages : 134
Book Description
Acclaimed as a modern dramatic masterpiece, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead is the fabulously inventive tale of Hamlet as told from the worm’s-eve view of the bewildered Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters in Shakespeare’s play. In Tom Stoppard’s best-known work, this Shakespearean Laurel and Hardy finally get a chance to take the lead role, but do so in a world where echoes of Waiting for Godot resound, where reality and illusion intermix, and where fate leads our two heroes to a tragic but inevitable end. Tom Stoppard was catapulted into the front ranks of modem playwrights overnight when Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead opened in London in 1967. Its subsequent run in New York brought it the same enthusiastic acclaim, and the play has since been performed numerous times in the major theatrical centers of the world. It has won top honors for play and playwright in a poll of London Theater critics, and in its printed form it was chosen one of the “Notable Books of 1967” by the American Library Association.
Author: Philip d'Orleans Publisher: The Crowood Press ISBN: 1785007866 Category : Performing Arts Languages : en Pages : 552
Book Description
Stage combat is a constantly evolving craft, responsive to the growing demands of an ever changing industry and an ever more perceptive audience. Experienced fight director, teacher and examiner Philip d'Orleans shows how to respond to this challenge through innovative techniques and original choreography. Unarmed Stage Combat explores the fundamental performance principles of violence on stage, before a dedicated series of chapters focus on over forty specific unarmed combat techniques, including non-contact slaps, punches, kicks and chokes as well as controlled contact and the illusion of falling. Each technique is beautifully illustrated with step-by-step photos and detailed practical guidance through the preparation, action and reaction to the movement, as well as the key safety principles, common pitfalls and staging variables. Supported by stunning fight photos from professional productions, this indispensable handbook is equally as valuable for beginners at the start of their career or preparing for their fight performance exam as it will be for seasoned professionals seeking to refresh their knowledge.
Author: Lisa Bany-Winters Publisher: Chicago Review Press ISBN: 1613740913 Category : Juvenile Nonfiction Languages : en Pages : 621
Book Description
Lights, camera, play! With this second edition of On Stage: Theater Games and Activities for Kids, budding thespians will have fun under the footlights as they choose from more than 125 theater games that spark creativity, boost confidence, and encourage collaboration. They'll learn all about how to make a stage performance great with improvisational games such as Freeze, Party Quirks, the Yes Game, and Gibberish; they'll make puppets, discover makeup secrets, and design and build a set. This revised and expanded edition features 35 new improvisational games and ready-to-use monologues, scenes, and short plays. Whether playing alone or in a group, everyone can have theater fun with On Stage!
Author: Bill Thomas
Author: Judd Woldin
Author: Steven Shelley
Author: Louis E. Catron
Author: Cassie Abate
Author: Steven Louis Shelley
Author: Lillian Hellman
Author: Tom Stoppard
Author: Philip d'Orleans
Author: Lisa Bany-Winters