Includes approaches to pantomime, improvisation, expanding a character, role playing, reader's theater, live stage, and script writing. (DD)

Defines a stage director's rehearsal note as a written reminder to tell an actor (or technical person) something seen during a rehearsal when there was no time to stop the action. Finds a note can contain a suggestion, a correction, or a compliment. Presents examples from play rehearsals of when a note was needed. (PA)

Provides six classroom exercises to stimulate student awareness of the principles of Readers Theater. Emphasizes the use of scripts and space, flexibility of voice and body, staging, pantomime, and characterization. (PD)

A student learning to work on stage sets needs to become familiar with standard materials and equipment, the ways in which they operate, and ways to piece them together to create a set for a scene. This package contains the following three lessons for acquainting the learner with such information: resources and equipment, piecing together some…

Summarizes 2 theater exercises for grades 8 and 11 respectively. States that the goal of the first exercise is to improve directing by organizing rehearsals for improvised and scripted scenes. Notes that the second exercise improves directing by interpreting dramatic texts and organizing and condensing rehearsals for informal or formal…

This document presents a rationale for using reader's theatre in the classroom. It briefly discusses some of the conventions that distinguish reader's theatre from traditional theatrical productions, including direction of voice and action to the audience, and the use of scripts. The major portion of the paper offers seven exercises on the…

Presents a rehearsal plan that not only keeps everyone on task but also produces stronger scenes. Suggests techniques such as: reading to the wall (suggests having no audience), sit in a circle (recite lines simultaneously), present a teaser, and blocking (find lines where the actors should move). Outlines a rehearsal worksheet. (SC)

This course guide is intended to help teachers introduce students to the basic concepts of readers' or interpreters' theatre. Performance objectives for the students are listed which include: (1) discerning the elements that make up a good choice of material, developing some understanding of how to adapt and arrange the material for readers'…

Defining readers theatre as a technique for enhancing students' appreciation of literature and spoken language by dramatizing literary works in classroom settings, this booklet explains the basic principles of that form and offers exercises for applying those principles. The booklet notes that while the exercises are intended primarily for…

Describes annual Theatre Arts Workshop Days at Troy High School, Michigan, in which professional artists from theatres and universities participate. (PD)

Describes several special effects that can be used for preparation and consumption of food, for smoke and fire, and flying. (JMF)

Offers several suggestions to high schools for organizing, coordinating, promoting, and selling their theater season. (JMF)

Presents some guidelines and suggestions on things to know when considering renting a backdrop for a show. Discusses backdrop basics, types of backdrops, where to find drops, and how to rent the drops. (SG)

Relates the speech which Graham Down, the executive director of the Council for Basic Education, gave at the Theatre Education Association Director's Seminar. Argues against confusing skills for education, training for education, and knowledge for wisdom. Recommends that drama teaching be interdisciplinary. (PRA)