Describes an effective technique the author uses in college productions to combat staleness in rehearsals and to help actors make new discoveries about their roles. (PD)

Tells how actors can be taught stage dialects. Covers pre-rehearsal procedures, auditions, initial dialect sessions, and rehearsal procedures. Includes a bibliography of standard texts and recorded materials. (PD)

This guide presents a technique for actors for getting into character spontaneously. Certain sections of the book address the actor, others address the director, and some make no distinction. The actor-director relationship is addressed as complex and critical to this acting approach. Suggestions are given for using this approach with children.…

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…

Drama in the classroom is the theme of the 14 articles in this issue, which can be used as resource material for teachers concerned with incorporating drama into the English curriculum. Titles and authors are as follows: "All the World is a Stage--Except the American Classroom" (Charles R. Duke); "A Drama Program for All Seasons" (Paul Cervoni and…

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)

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…

Argues that teachers and directors should teach their students how to audition. Offers tips, explanations, and observations regarding selection of material, preparation, appearance, making contact, and other advice. (SR)

Describes a project to help student actors "get into character" thoroughly and empathetically. Notes that 10th, 11th, and 12th graders interviewed many people in a conflict-ridden school community, recorded and transcribed the interviews, took notes on interviewees' gestures and characteristics, and represented those people as faithfully…

Offer a strategy that can help make the work acting instructors do with their students as they prepare for college auditions as effective as possible. Looks at the process of finding an appropriate monologue. Established some ground rules for preparation and apply them to the monologue's development. Reviews suggestions to help students present…

Suggests site-specific theatrical productions can create innovative productions in nontraditional spaces. Discusses the experiences of the author as he directed a site-specific production (Wendy MacLeod's "The Shallow End," set at an indoor pool) and addresses the lessons he learned from it. Includes advice on creating site-specific productions.…

Outlines a basic approach to "Readers Theatre," the communication of literature in a theatrical context. Contains the exercises "Sardines Today!" which promotes awareness of poetic setting, and "Dress Up Day!" which presents an opportunity to explore the role of suggestive costuming. (PRA)

Presents a sequence of exercises that address the importance of using words effectively, and considers the insensitivity so many young actors today have regarding the words they have been given by playwrights to say. Intends to help students better connect and deepen the meaning of the words they use as actors with the objectives they choose to…

Stresses the importance of teaching acting students how to audition. Describes course content and activities, including a trip to New York City to make audition rounds. (PD)

Describes an effective secondary school theatre program. Covers values, curriculum, production, audiences, class operations, standards, student directors, and pressures. (PD)