Introduction to Readers Theatre; A Guide to Classroom Performance

Today's Readers Theatre is engaged in the exciting pursuit of a more contemporary self-definition, and some of the more theatrical trends of classroom performance are reflected in this new book of basic practices and principles. The fundamental performance theory at work in each chapter's discussion, exercises and sample scripts is that today's Readers Theatre is concerned with a "dramatic visualization" of literary texts. The focus here is on translating primary Readers Theatre principles into classroom performance practices that feature performers artistically transforming literary figures or images into flesh-and-blood character portraits and visual pictures.It clarifies methods and techniques in adapting prose works of all types to a classroom stage. This current, more theatrical approach is developed through the six chapters: Introduction to Readers Theatre, Selecting and Analyzing Literature, Adapting Literature, Playing Space and Staging, Classroom Exercises and Sample Performance Scripts. This fine text includes many royalty-free script adaptations for performers and audiences of all ages as well as an extensive listing of source material ideas to further develop your own Readers Theatre.