Scripting Detention

Documenting a theater project for incarcerated youth in a New Mexico juvenile detention facility, this book presents the script of a play about prison life, and interweaves the author's creative, self-reflective text (autoethnography). The collaborative experience of writing and staging such a play enacted by prisoners frames a discussion of larger social and political themes in the criminal justice system, and of the complexities of getting juveniles to engage with variously positioned mentors.

 Immersive theater calls upon audience members to become participants, actors and “others.” It traditionally offers binary roles—that of oppressor or that of victim—and thereby stands the risk of simplifying complex social situations. Challenging such binaries, this book articulates theatrical “grey zones” when addressing juvenile detention, wartime interventions and immigration processes. It presents scripts and strategies for directors and playwrights who want to create theatrical environments that are immersive and pedagogical; aesthetically evocative and politically provocative; simple and complex.

Documenting a theater project for incarcerated youth in a New Mexico juvenile detention facility, this book presents the script of a play about prison life, and interweaves the author's creative, self-reflective text (autoethnography). The collaborative experience of writing and staging such a play enacted by prisoners frames a discussion of larger social and political themes in the criminal justice system, and of the complexities of getting juveniles to engage with variously positioned mentors.

‘Easy Read Scripts’ Giving kids the confidence to read and act Easy Read Scripts is a collection of 20 short scripts for any age and any gender. Whether you’re looking to improve children’s literacy and drama skills, or even get them on their feet and interacting with others, these scripts are easy to follow, well-structured and a bundle of laughs. Ranging from 2 – 4 people per piece, whether you need some material for a drama lesson or have an upcoming audition, these scripts are extremely versatile and will encourage children to explore literacy and drama skills. Written around many familiar environments and situations, the possibilities are endless! Whether you want to write alternative endings, encourage others to direct, perform short comical pieces for public performances; there are many uses for these short and playful scripts! Side note from author; Every published book of scripts I have researched or come across either refer to names or genders. I unintentionally invested in creating a book of genderless scripts, but the idea suddenly became quite prominent in our current day and age where more and more children are exploring gender and how they wish to identify. I started with the intention of creating work for my drama classes, where there was an uneven ratio of female identifying-children to male-identifying children. I wanted all of my children to feel as comfortable as possible when exploring the work; to focus on giving something a go and not have to face any unnecessary hurdles, such as whether or not they could be part of a group if the script writing didn’t allow. The more I wrote, the more I fell in love with the idea of drama and theatre being a medium where children don’t have to worry about being ‘boys’ or ‘girls’, and instead simply exploring text and enjoying the work in front of them.

This book explores terrorism as a strategic choice-- one made carefully and deliberately by rational actors. Through an analysis of the terrorist groups of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, this book charts a series of different strategic 'scripts' at play in terrorist behavior, from survival, to efforts in mobilizing a supporter base, through to the grinding attrition of a long terrorist campaign. The theme that runs through all the organizations is the unbridgeable gap between their strategic vision, and what actually unfolds. Regardless of which script terrorists follow, they often fall short of achieving their political ambitions. And yet, despite its frequent failure, the terrorist strategy is returned to time and again-- people continue to join such groups, and to commit mindless acts of violence. Scripts of Terror explores the reasons behind this. It asks why, if terrorism is so rarely successful and so hard to pull off, its approach remains an appealing one. And it examines how terrorists formulate their strategies, and how they envisage achieving their ambitions through violence. Most importantly, it explores why they so often fail.

In Theatre & War: Notes from the Field (2016, 2018), Dinesh writes about making theatre in zones of conflict. She analyzes practice; she describes various projects that she has undertaken ‘on the ground’; she theorizes strategies that might be useful to other practitioner-researchers who are involved in similar work. In this sequel of sorts, Dinesh chooses to return to the same themes: of theatre, of war. But this time, she intentionally crafts her notes from afar. From somewhere outside the field. From somewhere outside the practice. And yet, a somewhere that is consumed by the field. And the practice. Through writing that seeks to ‘do’, through writing that seeks to ‘perform’, Dinesh use different voices in this book. Voices that come from more traditional archival sources, which are then re-conceptualized as drama. Voices that come from sources that occupy the space between archived and lived experience, which are then shaped into creative vignettes. Voices that come from Dinesh’s repertoire – her own lived experiences – that are then crafted as flash fiction about past/ present/ future collaborators. By weaving together variously positioned experiences and voices through creative (re)interpretations, Theatre & War: Notes from Afar is a book that could be read; it is also a book that could be performed.

"Finally, a book that I can use: a hands-on, foot-to-the-pedal kind of reading experience. Of all the books on educational coaching available, this one answers my actual day-to-day questions. You can tell Bonnie Davis has been there. An invaluable resource!" —Mary Kim Schreck, Author, The Red Desk Concrete guidelines for novice and experienced coaches! This comprehensive guide encompasses a multilayered model that provides a rich experience for both coach and trainee. How to Coach Teachers Who Don′t Think Like You covers the process and content of coaching and describes a unique approach that encourages teachers to write and reflect upon their practices. Coaches can use literacy strategies to train across content areas and learn how to individualize their approach to honor teachers′ distinctive learning styles. The author presents samples of teacher writing and student work generated from coaching and offers narratives from practicing coaches across the country in school-based, district, and independent settings to illustrate the real world of coaching. With a format that gives readers the flexibility to choose sections best suited to particular coaching situations, the book includes: Specific, field-tested practices to support personal learning differences Strategies for modifying classroom practice and improving student achievement Coaching models for individual teachers and teams of teachers Options for coordinating coaching activities with teachers′ schedules Whether you are just beginning a coaching career or have several years of experience, this book offers suggestions and avenues for exploration, inspiration, and application.