Note that the exercise, Roll Call, is designed to demonstrate that character is most effectively and reliably created through a careful selection and execution of actions, not by magically inhabiting a character. Concludes that by the end of this sequence of exercises, students should have a better understanding of how character can be created…

Presents 13 improvisation exercises offered by 5 teachers. (SR)

Describes an exercise for a beginning acting class at the outset of a semester that demonstrates, reiterates, and clarifies some of the fundamental points of acting craft. (SR)

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)

Presents an acting lesson intended to teach students to remain focused on character objectives while retaining the spontaneity that is key to producing believable acting. Suggests that three students act out a set situation while the rest of the class watches, and describes the process of critique after the lesson is complete. (PA)

Presents two exercises to develop the concept of story for the actor. Suggests that, without awareness of story, an actor will not be able to present the play's story effectively. Describes the first exercise as taking an imaginary shower (with clothes on) and the second exercise as a group shower. Notes that props are not used. (PA)

This collection of 55 original concise monologs for teenage boys and girls to perform require no special settings and minimal props and costumes. The monologs in the collection are intended for use in speech competitions, variety shows, auditions, the classroom, and as discussion starters. The collection is divided into monologs for girls,…

Explores acting in the lives of teens and urges teachers to consider acting as a "way in" to young adult literature for students. Proposes many ways of using acting in the reading of literature. (SR)

Explains that the exercise "Pictures at an Exhibition" is designed to remind student actors of their responsibilities to the script and audience while simultaneously giving them a chance to employ the basic tools of the acting craft. Presents the activity in two rounds: (1) what do you see? and (2) painting by the numbers. (PA)

Presents several exercises to be used with student actors. Notes that the exercises show how actors reach emotions through the senses and help student actors eliminate self-consciousness. (RS)

This collection of 60 short dramatic pieces for teenagers to perform can be used in the classroom, in variety shows, in drama competitions, and as discussion starters. The pieces in the collection reflect the interests of teenagers and are designed to explore their actions, problems, attitudes, lifestyles, and humor. The collection is divided by…

Describes new ways to use the old game of musical chairs to teach basic acting skills. Presents several variations, including "start me up,""I will survive,""shake your bootie,""who are you?," and "don't know much about history." States that each exercise builds on the previous one, and can be used…

Gives instructions for a theater exercise that involves a student lip-synching to a song. Cautions that the presentation must be balanced equally, with attention paid to both realism in the actual lip-synching, and to how the performer gives meaning to the song. States that students generally should not try to emulate well-known performers. (PA)

This collection of monologues describes women's roles in theater in 1994 as being "ripe with possibility." The collection includes work from playwrights Gloria Naylor, Harold Prince, Tony Kushner, Terrence McNally, and Harold Pinter, among others. The collection contains 57 brief audition pieces for women to perform from the 1994…

Suggesting that improvisation is an invaluable technique that can be used in acting classes and in rehearsals for school, amateur, and professional productions, this book presents 900 improvisation ideas for teachers and directors to use. The first section presents ideas for improvisations on character conflicts, including teen/parent conflicts,…