The Art Of The Playwright

In The Art of the Playwright, William Packard examines the craft in a way that will illuminate theatre for both aspiring playwrights and theatre-goers. He describes the practical art of how plays are made, how to use actions and on-stage visuals, and how to approach the appropriate development of character, dialogue, motifs, plots, and conflicts. He unites theory and practice, giving fresh expression and real relevance to the most important principles of dramatic action.

Covers setting, plot, character, dialogue, exposition, and titles, looks at specific plays, and discusses the history and process of writing plays

In these passionate and witty essays on the theatre, J B Priestley distils his experience as a playwright, producer, director and - just once - actor. Relishing the past, analysing the present, and predicting the future, he tells his own 'story of the theatre'. Published as a companion to Oberon's two volumes of Priestley's best plays, this new collection is part defence of theatre, part incisive criticism, and, in the renowned Old Vic lecture The Art of the Dramatist, part instructive guide for would-be playwrights.

Provides practical knowledge for new and inexperienced playwrights.

Jeffrey Hatcher knows the nuts and bolts of writing for the theater. Here, he shares his views on it all--from building tension and plotting a scene, right down to moving a character from one side of the stage to the other. From crafting an intriguing beginning to delivering a satisfying ending. In Hatcher's one-on-one discussions with acclaimed American playwrights Lee Blessing, Marsha Norman and Jose Rivera, you'll find a wealth of practical advice, tricks of the trade and insight that will help you in your own creative efforts.

Stuart Spencer presents a coherent way of thinking about playwriting that addresses the important principles of structure, includes writing exercises that build upon one another, and trouble-shoots recurrent problems that playwrights face.

Writing for a small troupe of men and boys who performed on an almost bare stage, William Shakespeare dramatized an unparalleled range of stories and emotions through his wizardry with words, his uncanny understanding of the human spirit, and his genius for maximizing the talents of his actors. Working under conditions that today we would consider primitive, he made himself into the supreme playwright. Exactly how does Shakespeare achieve his effects? Why does he continue to enthrall audiences performance after performance, night after night, century after century? Can we learn the secrets of his success? By concentrating on a dozen of his best-known plays (though others receive attention, too), and analyzing their structural and theatrical elements as well as their distinctive language, inventive plotting, and unique characters this book demystifies Shakespeare for all theater lovers. With its down-to-earth and jargon-free approach, Why Shakespeare enables us to step behind the curtain to learn why Shakespeare is considered the greatest dramatist of all time.