PLAYS

For anyone starting out in the theatre industry, whether as a newbie director, writer, cast or back stage crew, this excellent book takes you briefly through everything you need to know about working either as an amateur or professional in the theatre. If you're only going to buy one 'get to know the theatre' book, this should be that purchase. So what's it all about? From the publishers website Plays...And How to Produce Them provides a basic introduction for all individuals and groups wishing to undertake the production of a play. It is aimed at the amateur enthusiast and anyone and everyone intending to pursue their interest further and undertake professional training. Written by David Carter, who combines over 30 years of personal experience through drama, acting and directing, as well as teaching at University, it is obvious that this gentleman knows the theatre industry absolutely back to front and every hoop you need to jump through to excel with your colleagues. Whatever your role in the theatre industry, your work will feel easier if you have an understanding of everyone else's role, within your theatre group. This is not only about understanding what to expect from your director or stage manager, it's more about having a general all-around understanding of all of the key elements concerned with working in a theatre, so that you can be knowledgeable about everyone's role in the proceedings. What is so good about this book is that it provides you with more than sufficient information without ever boring you by going in to too much detail. Where you wish to write for the theatre, this book provides you with sufficient knowledge where you can plan your writing to match the targeted budget . For example, the book explains what types of plays work well with a small professional cast all the way through to understanding how to manage a group of hopeful amateurs trying to produce a large ensemble musical when they can only rehearse irregularly. For anyone hoping to make a career out of working in the theatre, this book explains every role from moving the furniture backstage to operating the lighting so that your actors can benefit from your professional approach. You will understand the difference between top lights, footlights, cross lights and fill lights from just a small section of the book and if you are required to choose a director or actors for your play, all the necessary tips can be found within these easily explained 150 pages. Before an amateur theatre group considers putting on a play in the local village hall, perhaps David Carter's book should be made mandatory reading, because just one read of this excellent book will be enough to increase the quality of performance without looking for better actors. Personally, I finally understand the need for a separate technical rehearsal, so the book is well worth is outlay. When I'm working backstage the next time, I'll understand why the director is keeping us all there until after midnight!

From starting a drama group to surviving the opening night - this step-by-step guide is an essential introduction to the art of stagecraft and amateur theatrical production.

It is often easy to become complacent when involved with amateur theatre. We know our own venue, we know how things work, and we know what our audience and society members want. However, into this equation sometimes creep bad habits. So, when picking up this book, I was delighted to see that many of my ideas are confirmed and yet other suggestions are made of which I think, 'Now, why didn't I think of that?'

For newcomers to amateur theatre production it is an invaluable resource.

Members who attend the NODA Summer Schools and other workshops always learn a lot and come back to their respective societies with a renewed enthusiasm.

This book is a wonderful addition to the reference library because it covers such a wide variety of essential topics and it serves as an aid-memoire when preparing for the next show. It is packed with practical ideas and easy-to-follow advice, and is an invaluable, one-stop resource, for individuals and groups, and for amateur stage enthusiasts and students alike.