Repetition in vocal characterizations and deviant listening perceptions are two major weaknesses of American acting. That is, voices and diction usually sound the same in everything the actors do, but no one perceives it. One reason listening is so deficient is because of the uninformed or incorrect concepts of those who practice or teach acting.…

The extensive use of improvisational techniques in rehearsals for chamber theatre productions develops for the performer a strong engagement with the text. The director can channel the movement and gestures that emerge from these techniques into the production itself, with results that more effectively convey the literature than traditional…

This journal provides a focal point for the collection and distribution of systematically processed information about theory and practice in theatre. Part of an irregularly published series, this issue contains investigations of the effect of quantity of stage lighting on audience comprehension, three methods of line memorization, reliability of…

The author states that little research has been done to date in the area of audience reaction to Readers Theater stimuli, but some guidelines can be cited for directors and authors in their efforts to involve audiences in Readers Theater productions. Authors of Readers Theater materials are advised to use aesthetic factors inherent in the…

The materials and resources offered in this performance guidebook are designed to develop the more formal acting skills of secondary school students, to provide extensive experience in script analysis and scene work, and to develop the student by modifying unfortunate inhibitions, encouraging creativity, and developing strong communication skills.…

Henry James, the nineteenth-century American novelist, also served on occasion as a theatre critic. Between 1875 and 1890 he reviewed several productions in Boston, New York, London, and Paris for "Atlantic Monthly" and other periodicals. The reviews are of interest because of James' high standards regarding acting and his often…

How teachers can help students overcome resistance to the language of Shakespeare. (CH)

This book explores the art of oral interpretation of literature and presents exercises designed to encourage awareness of various aspects of the interpretation process. Chapter one, "Harnessing Resources," examines the awakening of the body and voice and discusses basic sensory training. Chapter two, "Responding to Literary Worlds," details the…

This article examines the use of theater in secondary education to highlight social issues and enhance students' lives. Several examples of plays and the subjects approached are briefly discussed. The article concludes with a list of theater companies that can be used as resources. (GLR)

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 31 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) American drama between the world wars; (2) an emotion theory of stage fright; (3) the female androgyne in tragic drama; (4) creating and directing a musical…

This journal provides a focal point for the collection and distribution of systematically processed information about theory and practice in theatre. This issue contains discussions of (1) the effects of cognitive complexity on characterization depth and performance; (2) the effects of a director's system of communication on actor inventiveness…

If dramatic characters are to be rendered "three dimensional" in performance, both the dramatist and the actor/interpreter must create them with proper attention to the physical, sociological, and psychological aspects of character. If oral interpreters understand these dimensions of a particular character, they can analyze such elements as…

This journal provides a focal point for the collection and distribution of systematically processed information about theory and practice in theatre. Part of an irregularly published series, this issue contains investigations of the interaction between director and actor in rehearsal, a possible diagnostic system for evaluating student acting…