Description
Book Synopsis'I wish I'd had this book when I was starting out as a young director... I cannot recommend it highly enough' Marianne Elliott, from her Foreword
This dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book in the bestselling Drama Games series offers dozens of ideas and exercises to energise and inspire a bold, creative rehearsal process for any play, of any period or genre.
Aimed at directors of all levels, it covers every aspect of rehearsal, including:
- Warm-up exercises to prepare the body, voice and mind, and to create a strong ensemble
- Ideas for approaching the text, tackling the 'Story of the Play'
- A wealth of games for unlocking the 'World of the Play', including developing characters, finding a physical style, understanding genre and investigating themes
- Suggestions for exploring sound and music, whether for use in the production or simply to encourage a sense of fun in rehearsals
This essential 'go-to' book will provide you with a host of original and illuminating games, perfect for the play you're rehearsing, be it Shakespeare or Greek tragedy, a Restoration comedy, physical theatre, Modern Naturalism – or even a brand new play.
Marianne Elliott, one of the most innovative and exciting directors working anywhere in the world, describes it as a 'beautiful, and very clearly written book' which will become her 'constant companion in future'.
Trade Review'Bursting with ideas and content… there are lovely ideas here; professional, student friendly, good for flicking through the pages and choosing at random, or a more carefully structured process… will create happier groups and happier rehearsals'
* National Drama *
'Great fun… a "must have" for directors'
* Word Matters (Journal of the Society of Teachers of Speech & Drama) *
'This book is great for making the rehearsal room as active as it is cerebral; it will become as indispensable as its predecessors… intelligent and well-focused games... not just a manual, it's a good read full of anecdotes and witty asides. From the start we know that we are in the hands of an expert practitioner'
* Teaching Drama Magazine *
'Should prove invaluable to creative directors, writers and actors wishing to develop an ensemble approach... Swale's ideas provide working methods and creative approaches which will help anyone involved in developing a production, from the budding director to those working with experienced actors in the professional sector'
* DramaResource.com *
