Description
Book SynopsisThis book offers a comprehensive guide to teaching acting exercises that will unleash the inner creativity of students aged 8-18. Theories and techniques of some of the greatest theatre practitioners including Sanford Meisner, Constantin Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg and Uta Hagen provide a basis for Samantha Marsden's original exercises for students between these ages. You won't find Duck, Duck, Goose, Zap, Zap, Boing or any other traditional drama games in this book: instead, the craft of acting technique takes the limelight. These exercises have been tried and tested in the author's own classroom, and are guaranteed to inspire, ignite imagination and encourage heartfelt performances. Focus points used in leading drama schools such as voice, movement, relaxation, character development and understanding text are recreated for a younger student. They are easy to follow and will be fun, challenging and immensely rewarding for teachers and students alike. The book features a fore
Trade ReviewAn ambitious book which will surely become a classroom staple … Its breadth and the detail [is] invaluable. * Teaching Drama *
Offers a comprehensive guide to teaching acting exercises that will unleash the inner creativity of students aged 8-18 ... [They] are guaranteed to inspire, ignite imagination and encourage heartfelt performances ... They are easy to follow and will be fun, challenging and immensely rewarding for teachers and students alike. * Ink Pellet *
The way each activity is written states the skills, time, resources, direction and handy tips or variations for the activity. This is great for both detailed lesson planning or for a quick dip into to help students develop a much-needed skill ... A great book for all of us out there who need a little help with ways into lessons or on one of those days when we feel the creativity block, or drain on our motivation. * Drama Magazine *
If you are a director or acting teacher this book will have a lot to offer ... If you are wondering how to deepen characters, explore objectives, motivation and sub-text, then this book will provide you with a highly practical approach by way of games, exercises, lists of actions and sample scenes. * Drama Resource *
Here is the book that every drama teacher should have on their shelf * Sylvia Young, OBE *
An excellent resource. In it, acting coaches and their young students will find daily inspiration. * Robert McKee, author, lecturer and story consultant *
Every young actor that wants a working instrument should do these great, fun and practical exercises * Michelle Danner, Artistic Director of the Michelle Danner Acting Studio *
Comprehensive, clearly categorized, and entirely essential on the bookshelf of any self-respecting drama teacher … an easy-to-use, matter of fact, compendium of one hundred carefully curated, succinctly explained acting exercises. * Word Matters *
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter One: Relaxation and Focus Chapter Two: Voice Chapter Three: Movement Chapter Four: Unblocking Performers Chapter Five: Given Circumstances Chapter Six: Objectives Chapter Seven: Actions Chapter Eight: Imagination Chapter Nine: Physicalising Characters Chapter Ten: Creating a Natural Performance Chapter Eleven: Bringing the Text to Life Skills Index
