Outlines the inception and evolution of "The Bonderman," a workshop devoted to the development of new theatre works for young audiences. Explains that the Bonderman is committed to: the development of the playwright; the development of the individual play; and the ongoing dialogue about the creation of new work for young audiences. Describes the…

Surveys 145 practicing playwrights to examine how secondary school students can be taught the processes of playwriting in a program of dramatic studies. Proposes a model playwriting component for secondary school drama courses. (MM)

Provides an excerpt from the author's book by the same title in which he shares an account of how a playwright guides the children from start to finish in writing and performing their own plays. (MG)

Analyzes the issue of censorship in relation to how it has influenced anti-apartheid South African playwright/director Mbongeni Ngema's theatrical style and the evolution of his style from the socio-political context in which he works. Illuminates the playwright's strategies for overcoming censorship. Discusses his most well-known work,…

Notes that the author wants his high school students to receive the kind of feedback on their plays that he received during a playwriting symposium, and that he and wants them to have a chance to work and interact with experienced playwrights. Considers how playwriting is rewriting; discusses the importance of feedback; and presents two kinds of…

Discusses the potential technology has for playwrights today, especially "technology as special effects" and "technology as subject matter." Finds it curious that very little science fantasy has found its way into the theater, and even less science fiction. Advocates exploring the world of technology through theater. (PA)

With the current education climate so focused on accountability, teachers need to ensure that their teaching practices are supported by today's content-specific standards. To meet this need, "A Comprehensive Guide to Readers Theatre" shows not only how to implement Readers Theatre in the classroom but also how to use it to meet current literacy…

Based on the idea that the focus of theater is human beings and thus that theater can be related to experiences already familiar to students, this book aims to provide both instructors and students with informative, incisive, and pleasurable knowledge about the theater. The book is divided into 6 parts and subdivided into chapters within each…

A study was conducted to survey current directions and conventions in Interpreters Theatre (includes readers theatre, presentational theatre, and chamber theatre) through a literature review and to note the presence and function of these conventions in current Broadway shows that are predominantly representational. The essential conventions were…

A discussion of the pros and cons of considering the theatre as literature despite the "performance" qualities of dramatics. (CH)

The diversity of important work being done by women in many aspects of theatrical performance in the United States is illustrated in this journal issue. The nine articles provide discussions of the following: (1) women's careers, images, and movements in the American theatre; (2) the evolution of La Mama, an off-off-Broadway theatre group begun in…

In spite of the importance of the one-act play as an art form and as a tool for teaching playwriting, authors of playwriting texts have devoted little space to the study of the form. Because of this neglect, there is no definition of the form that is simple and specific enough to undergrid efforts to teach or write it. In the absence of a solid…

Clara Tree Major, the first producer to provide professional touring plays exclusively for children's audiences (from 1925 until 1954), not only produced these plays but also wrote the scripts by adapting children's stories for the theatre. This paper investigates Major's playwriting principles and techniques, examines Major's philosophy in play…

An analysis of the works of black playwrights since 1821 (the date of the earliest recorded play) reflects the Afro-American's concern with social revolution and his commitment to revolt. Early forms of protest in black drama revealed the desire to become active members of American society. Following a void in black playwrighting during the…

An interpersonal perception mode of analysis can provide insight into a playscript, eliminating the protagonist-oriented view of drama and creating a dramatic production with richer texture. Since drama represents its characters' inabilities to process information satisfactorily or to maintain successful interpersonal relationships, all the…