Focuses on the traditional comic acting style that prevailed in England from 1820 to 1840 by examining the acting of the commedienne whose sixty-year career spanned the first half of the century. (MH)

Advocates short performances by students in introductory drama classes. (DD)

Traces the Stanislavski system for realism in acting from its origin within Moscow Art Theater, through its modification by Lee Strasberg and Elia Kazan in the Actor's Studio, to its use in modern American films. (JMF)

Describes the "As If" technique, a mnemonic device that reminds actors what the action they are doing means and feels to them personally. Discusses introducing As If to students, the As If "game," and applying it to scripted scenes. (RS)

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 12 titles deal with the following topics: (1) awareness of self, awareness of environment, mental imagery, communicative competency, and theatrical improvisation; (2) the evolution of scenography in the Western theatre; (3)…

The eight articles in this booklet suggest activities designed to help students see drama as an active, engaging pursuit. The first article uses excerpts from Harold Pinter's "The Caretaker" to illustrate how improvisation can be used to help students discover meaning in a play. The second and third articles provide suggestions for…

The conference reported here was attended by educators and theater professionals from 24 countries, grouped into five discussion sections. Summaries of the proceedings of the discussion groups, each followed by postscripts by individual participants who wished to amplify portions of the summary, are presented. The discussion groups and the editors…

An exploration of the potentials of the handicapped as actors. (CH)

An organic approach to style in acting can lend credibility and power to performances and can enhance the clarity and extent of what is communicated to audiences about other social worlds. The organic approach is based on the following principles: mental experience and expressive behavior are inseparable and reciprocal; experience in either mode…

The paper describes a theater workshop for children with learning disabilities, and discusses its benefits, including improved oral and written language, self esteem, and self control. Comments of actors involved in the workshop are included. (CL)

Stage violence is a complex art which, when conceived inventively, approached with professional care and respect, and practiced with patience and energy, can be the highlight of a scene or of an entire play. This book is designed for amateurs who have not had the benefit of formal training in stage violence. Chapters discuss falling (the…

This is the second of a two-part article on theater arts for every classroom. The total program consists of structured lessons that incorporate role playing and improvisatory activities with learning the craft, creativity and art of the theater. (Editor)

Three things will help to change American theater's unsatisfactory climate for Blacks and its growing mediocrity: (1) an end to the cultural dependence on British theater; (2) an examination of America's racial history in "White" as well as "Black" productions; and (3) abandonment of the notion that Blacks and Whites can flourish in isolation from…

A company of professional actors perform scenes from history, act in plays, and do improvisations and poetry readings in university classrooms. Describes Illinois State University's unique program for enlivening the humanities. (Author/JF)