Explains the value of using movies to teach students some acting principles. Analyzes two recent films, "Crimson Tide" and "The Bridges of Madison County," and develops some acting exercises based on the two movies. Describes some of the differences and similarities between film and theater. Argues that Alfred Hitchcock's…

Discusses the use of improvisational acting exercises as a productive tool for overcoming reticence in English-as-a-Second-Language students. The approach stresses participation rather than accuracy of production. (Author/VWL)

Dynamic classroom role-playing for junior and senior high school classes in literature and acting is an essential ingredient in cultivating characterization and interpretation if a student is to learn the technical skills of performance. Although no simple classroom performance blueprint exists for predicting the degree of success a student…