Synopses & Reviews
Theatre was made for children. With their fertile imaginations and their honest ability to be carried away by a story, they are the best audiences that directors, actors, and playwrights could ever hope to encounter. They also represent the future of the arts.
Theatre for Children is a collection of new and classic plays for children. Adapted from some of the most beloved stories in children's literature, such as Roald Dahl's The Witches, The Great Gilly Hopkins, and Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, as well as original plays, this anthology brings together new and overlooked plays that children are sure to love.
Theatre for Children is an invaluable resource for directors, teachers, and students of theatre.
Foreword
Country Mouse and the Missing Lunch Mystery by Sandra Fenichel Asher
Ernie's Incredible Illucinations by Alan Ayckbourn
Two Donuts by Jose Cruz González
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin
A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas by Laurie Brooks
Braille: The Early Life of Louis Braille by Lola H. and Coleman A. Jennings
Bless Cricket, Crest Toothpaste, and Tommy Tune by Linda Daugherty
The Great Gilly Hopkins by David Paterson and Steve Liebman
The Witches by David Wood
Mississippi Pinocchio by Mary Surface and David Maddox
The Wolf and Its Shadows by Sandra Fenichel Asher
Ezigbo, The Spirit Child by Max Bush and Adaora Nzelibe Schmiedl
Inuk and the Sun by Henry Beissel
A Village Fable by James Still
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Y York
Synopsis
"I am inclined to trust children with the truth, and allow them to draw their own conclusions. Not to tell them what to think-- but to require them to think."--Sara Spencer, publisher of the
Children's Theatre Press"I am only ten years old but I know a good play when I see one."--Charles W.
Synopsis
Presented with the right plays, children are the most honest and appreciative of audiences. This anthology, compiled by an authority on children's theatre, collects new and overlooked scripts that represent the best of modern playwriting for children. From works adapted from classic children's stories to original contemporary scripts, each play inspires the imagination as it entertains.
With complete scripts for twenty plays plus a biographical sketch of each playwright, Theatre for Young Audiences is invaluable for anyone involved in children's theatre, from community theatre groups to teachers and students of dramatic literature.
Plays included in this book:
Charlotte's Web ... Joseph Robinette
The Arkansas Bear ... Aurand Harris
Really Rosie ... Maurice Sendak
The Secret Garden ... Pam Sterling
Wiley and the Hairy Man ... Suzan Zeder
According to Coyote ... John Kauffman
The Mischief Makers ... Lowell Swortzell
The Wise Men of Chelm ... Sandra F. Asher
Crow & Weasel ... Jim Leonard
The Ice Wolf ... Joanna H. Kraus
Home on the Mornin' Train ... Kim Hines
The Falcon ... Greg Palmer
The Man-Child ... Arnold Rabin
Hush: An Interview with America ... James Still
Bocon! ... Lisa Loomer
The Crane Wife ... Barbara Carlisle
Jungalbook ... Edward Mast
A Thousand Cranes ... Kathryn S. Miller
The Yellow Boat ... David Saar
Selkie ... Laurie Brooks Gollobin
Synopsis
Theatre was made for children. With their fertile imaginations and their honest ability to be carried away by a story, they are the best audiences that directors, actors, and playwrights could ever hope to encounter. They also represent the future of the arts.
Theatre for Children is a collection of new and classic plays for children. Adapted from some of the most beloved stories in children's literature, such as Roald Dahl's The Witches, The Great Gilly Hopkins, and Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, as well as original plays, this anthology brings together new and overlooked plays that children are sure to love.
Theatre for Children is an invaluable resource for directors, teachers, and students of theatre.
Foreword
Country Mouse and the Missing Lunch Mystery by Sandra Fenichel Asher
Ernie's Incredible Illucinations by Alan Ayckbourn
Two Donuts by Jose Cruz Gonzalez
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin
A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas by Laurie Brooks
Braille: The Early Life of Louis Braille by Lola H. and Coleman A. Jennings
Bless Cricket, Crest Toothpaste, and Tommy Tune by Linda Daugherty
The Great Gilly Hopkins by David Paterson and Steve Liebman
The Witches by David Wood
Mississippi Pinocchio by Mary Surface and David Maddox
The Wolf and Its Shadows by Sandra Fenichel Asher
Ezigbo, The Spirit Child by Max Bush and Adaora Nzelibe Schmiedl
Inuk and the Sun by Henry Beissel
A Village Fable by James Still
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Y York
About the Author
Coleman A. Jennings, professor of Creative Drama/Children's Theatre at the University of Texas at Austin, is the author of three plays for children and editor of four anthologies, including
Plays Children Love, volumes I and II. In 1997 he received a Lifetime Achievement award from the American Alliance for Theatre and Education.