Synopses & Reviews
The Stage Directions Guide to Shakespeare offers practical advice on everything a regional, community, or academic theater needs to know when taking the plunge into a Shakespearean play, including:
- sensible advice on reasons to do (or not to do) Shakespeare
- assessing your theater group's abilities
- selecting a play
- casting
- making costume and set decisions
- special demands of directing and playing Shakespeare
- publicity
- and much more.
As Peithman and Offen explain, "It really doesn't matter where or when one of the Bard's plays is set. What does matter, above all, is that the production show us the understanding and intelligence, the wit and perception that have distinguished the works of Shakespeare since they were first put on in London."
The Stage Directions Guide to Shakespeare provides you with the information and guidance you need to make your Shakespeare production a success.
Synopsis
The Stage Directions Guide to Shakespeare provides you with the information and guidance you need to make your Shakespeare production a success.
Synopsis
The Stage Directions Guide to Shakespeare offers practical advice on everything a regional, community, or academic theater needs to know when taking the plunge into a Shakespearean play, including:
- sensible advice on reasons to do (or not to do) Shakespeare
- assessing your theater group's abilities
- selecting a play
- casting
- making costume and set decisions
- special demands of directing and playing Shakespeare
- publicity
- and much more.
As Peithman and Offen explain, It really doesn't matter where or when one of the Bard's plays is set. What does matter, above all, is that the production show us the understanding and intelligence, the wit and perception that have distinguished the works of Shakespeare since they were first put on in London. The Stage Directions Guide to Shakespeare provides you with the information and guidance you need to make your Shakespeare production a success.
About the Author
Neil Offen served as Editor of Stage Directions magazine for nearly five years, beginning in 1994. Neil brings to his work decades of journalistic experience and a lifelong love of theatre in all its facets.Stephen Peithman is Editor-in-Chief of Stage Directions magazine, which he cofounded in 1988. Stephen brings to his work decades of journalistic experience and a lifelong love of theatre in all its facets.
Table of Contents
Part I: The Question is Why
1. Seven Reasons Not to Attempt the Classics
...and All the Reasons Why We Should, Anyway Dale Lyles
Committing to the Classics
What to Do If Your Public Isn't Familiar with Works by the Bard Diane Crews
Part II: Directing the Shakespearean Play
3. "Well, At Least It's in English, You Know"
Tips on Producing Shakespeare Stephen Peithman
Plumbing the Unknown Bottom
A Conversation with Barry Edelstein Iris Dorbian
On Updating Shakespeare
The Play's the Thing Ivan W. Fuller
The Offbeat Bard
Six Companies Take Very Different Approaches to Shakespeare, Proving That All's Well That Ends Well
Back to Basics? Neil Offen
When All Hell Breaks Loose
Advice on How to Stage Melees, Brawls, and Other Big Fights Bruce Lecure
The Bard on a Budget
Shakespeare in the Small Lindsay Price
Small-Time Shakespeare
Six Rules to Follow When Working on a Budget
Part III: Acting the Shakespearean Play
13. Surmounting the Challenge
What Can an Actor Do? Julian Lopez-Morillas
Move Like an Elizabethan
Sitting, Standing, Gesturing, and Bowing As If to the Manner Born Bruce Lecure
Pulling Punches
An Introduction to the Basics of Safe Stage Combat Bruce Lecure
Leave Nothing to Chance
Stage Fights Must Be Choreographed and Rehearsed to Be Realistic and Safe Eileen P. Duggan
Learning From the Pros
Pulling Hair
A Violent Action Begins with a Flick of the Wrist Bruce Lecure
He Who Gets Slapped
The Safe Way to Give Someone the Back of Your Hand Bruce Lecure
Part IV: Selling Your Shakespeare
Cooperation, Not Competition, Was Their Key to Success
Part V: When Shakespeare's the Main Course
20. Summer with the Bard
Ashland's Oregon Shakespeare Festival Sets the Standard Nancianne Pfister
Training for the "Neo-Shakespearean Age"
At Southern Utah University, Students Focus on the Total Theater Experience Nancianne Pfister
Kids Strut Their Hour Upon the Stage
Part VI: Shakespeare, As You Like It
23. Teaching Shakespeare
A Powerhouse Teacher/Director Fulfills a Dream Iris Dorbian
Books on Shakespeare Performance
17 Useful Resources for Actors and Directors Stephen Peithman