Books for/about - Theatre

The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage

Publisher: Harvard Business School Press
Authors: B. Joseph Pine II James H. Gilmore

ISBN: 0875848192
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Summary: How to Sell the Sizzle
Authors B. Joseph Pine II and James H. Gilmore look at the ways that corporations create engaging experiences for their customers to boost sales. They amass examples that confirm the developing trend toward an "Experience Economy." Their premise is that the post-industrial economy has evolved beyond delivering commodities and services, and is now poised to deliver "experiences." These experiences can include everything from a meal at a theme restaurant to a Disneyland vacation. The premise is interesting, but before you hit the trend button, realize that this is not the first time marketers have courted customers with powerful retail experiences. However, it may be the first time sellers have used virtual reality and Hollywood-style animated props. This intellectually interesting book dares to be far out and to pursue the concept of engaging customers to its extremes. We recommend this book to business owners or marketers more as a theoretical introduction to the "Experience Economy" than as a marketing manual. If you feel intrigued and engaged, that's the point. For more information, please refer to Disney World.

Summary: Curtain-Call Economics
Wow! I was so fascinated with this insightful book that I coined the above phrase. Curtain-call economics is the thrust of this book. How would your customer describe his experience with your company? How entertaining, how engaging, how educational and how beautiful was his experience? This book is chock-full of real-life examples of how to capitalize in this new arena comprising our economy. First there arose an industrial era, then a service era, now, an experiential era. With all types of services abounding and ubiquitous, your differentiation will be in providing the superior experience. This book categorically and metaphorically allies you with the absolute fundamentals for positioning your establishment for success. So, in keeping with one of the teachings of this book on building suspense, I will just say that there is an era immediately following this 'experience' economy that is delineated with much delight at the conclusion of the book.

Summary: More Exciting Than it Sounds
With a title like "The Experience Economy" and a tagline that reads "Work is Theatre and Every Business a Stage," one would think this would be an exciting and daring book on innovative business strategies. Daring it most certainly is; the metaphor comparing work to theatre is adventurous and eye-opening. But it is also overdrawn, and is rooted too much in theory and not so much in practical example. A particular disappointment was that the book did not really address how online businesses can create experiences for their clients; it is geared primarily towards offline busineses.

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Theatre

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
Authors: Robert Cohen

ISBN: 007256492X
List Price: $64.06
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Summary: it is the same as the 7th( except picture placement
great book for understanding theatre the 7th eddition has just updated pictures than the 6th the chapters are almost identicle except placement of pictuers if you are using it for a class the material is the same dont get the 5th or the brief version if the 7th is required the chapters are in different order but the 6th is pretty much the 7th (except silly picture placement ) have fun with you're clss enjoy

Summary: Authoritative, Intelligent, Visually Stunning
I've used a couple of versions of Cohen for 8 years in high school classrooms. (IMHO, much of it isn't freshman and sophomore-friendly.) I personally turn to it often, as well. I have nothing but the highest regard for Cohen's work here. He manages to combine general aesthetic issues with historical detail and current theatrical practices. His enthusiasm is palpable. The "digest" versions of selected plays combine meaty chunks of text with synopses and terrific illustrations. This book energetically avoids a textbook-y tone. (Heads up: I have not seen the latest edition.)

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	The New Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism Publisher: Crown House Publishing Authors: Ormond McGill
ISBN: 1899836020 List Price: $69.95 Amazon Price: $64.93 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 3 Reviews: Summary: How To Avoid Dissapointment: Read This Before You Buy Whether you will love this book...or be sadly dissapointed...depends on what you want from it. Allow me to explain: If you want to learn how to perform stage hypnosis, and are looking for someone to exaplin what to do and how to do it (an easy to follow recepie) this is NOT the book for you. Why? This book is AN ENCYCLOPEDIA, not a "How To" manual. Analogy: You go to a friend's house and feast on a delectable piece of chocolate cake. You decide it would be neat to have the ability to make such a delectable chocolate cake yourself. So you ask your friend for the recepie. How would you prefer that your friend respond: a.) By giving you a simple, step by step recepie for making her version of chocolate cake, one that teaches you EXACTLY what to do and in what order. Then, walking you through the recepie and actually helping you make your first cake. Or... b.) By giving you a copy of The Joy of Cooking. If you answered "a", then you will likely find that Ormond's Encyclopedia of Stage Hypnotism is not for you. You will be sad to find that it does not give you a simple set of instructions to follow, but rather OVERWHELMES YOU with too much information that actually encumbers learning. On the other hand, if you are a collector of nice expensive books and want to add this reference text to your hypnosis library, you will likely be very pleased with it. This book is what it claims to be in it's title: An Encyclopedia. Stage hypnosis is something that you need to understand conceptually, and then begin practicing in order to master. If you want to learn how to be a comedy stage hypnotist there are a number of first rate instructors who can teach and mentor you through live instruction or through DVD home study. One highly recommended instructor is Geoffrey Ronning. You can Google his name along with the words "Learn Stage Hypnosis" and you will find his web site. In summary: This book is great for the collector, but a poor choice for one who wants to learn how to perform a comedy stage hypnosis show. Summary: Too much..... This book is too much, and I mean that quite literally. It's too long, too heavy and the style of hypnosis it teaches has been around too long. Slow old fashioned and labourious. I brought this to compare with my favourite book on stage hypnosis by Jonathan Chase, ' Deeper and Deeper ' available from his site or amazon.co.uk It doesn't compare. McGills tombe reads like a clinical diatribe with no humour or pazazz. And for me if stage hypnosis doesn't have that then it has nothing. Much of this book is directly 'borrowed' from the works of Coue, Braid and Eisdale and has little or nothing entertaining in it. The routines are simply banal or unoriginal and much of the history of the art is inacurate at best. I've no doubt that McGill was a wonderful person but his book should pass on as well. Overpriced and over written. Bill Summary: The best book for beginers and advanced students of the art. This is the ultimate book of stage hypnosis, I have to say that in the past I studied hypnosis for about 6 years but never learn anything about stage hypnosis, 1 month after reading this book I made my first show, I was very impresed by the clear and logical instruction. 6 months later (June 2005) I have the honor to be in Las Vegas in one of the latest seminars that Ormond McGill presented and my learning curve was amazing thanks to this book. Today I?m in the way to be a profesional stage hypnotist in my country, thanks Ormond McGill for everything. Summary:

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History of the Theatre (9th Edition)

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Authors: Oscar G. Brockett Franklin J. Hildy

ISBN: 0205358780
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Summary: dry, but good
Having taken a course that required reading the book I can safely say that it is dry in some sections of history due to the "PC" nature of it's telling. But it's mostly an interesting resource and reference book for theatre buffs and history buffs alike.

Summary: Yes, Oscar Brockett is God
I had the pleasure of being Brock's student for three years at the University of Texas. The book is phenomenal, easy to read and amazingly complete. The History of the Theatre experience should also be augmented by the opportunity to hear Brockett speak. He is erudite, funny, a lively teacher and an incredible intellect. There is no other book to serve as a reference and introduction to theatre history. No other book and no other teacher so expertly and informatively makes you realize the interweaving of theatre and society throughout its long history. IMHO, Brockett should write the history not just of theatre but of everything. His non-didactic, straight-forward and lively prose would make any work of history or criticism on any subject a delight.

Summary: An Excellent and Thorough Text Under Great Editorship
As a former student of Franklin J. Hildy's, and a reader of the Brockett text for several theater courses, I must highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a detailed, yet expansive, overview of the history of the theatrical arts throughout the world. Dr. Hildy's passion for and knowledge of the subject matter is rivaled by none and the complete scope of this project would have daunted many editors less competent to undertake such a task. A great reference text as well as course material. I often find mine useful in day-to-day queries as well as research on period and scenic styles.

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The Enjoyment of Theatre, Sixth Edition

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Authors: Kenneth M. Cameron Patti P. Gillespie

ISBN: 0205375510
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Summary: A Solid Introduction to Theatre
Let's face it. Most introductory textbooks are pretty much alike: a little history, a little theory, an overview of what theatre professionals do, etc. Cameron and Gillespie give the student a leg up by writing their chapters in a user-friendly format, with chapter objectives, bulleted (main) points, and key terms at the end of the chapter, as well as web sites for further information. They also provide headings and subheadings as chapters progress, helping us digest the material in conceptual chunks rather than one long narrative. As one reviewer pointed out, there are no cuts from plays inserted, but that gives the instructor the freedom to choose his/her own plays to examine in class. Overall, I think it's an excellent introductory text. I especially like the attention to script analysis using Aristotle's Poetics.

Summary: Caution: May cause severe eye-rolling and excessive boredom
This book is meant to be informative. It is. Unfortunately, only about 15% of the book contains useful information. It actually takes the time to explain what a standing ovation is: "To show exceptional approval, audiences may stand and applaud (give a standing ovation)." It goes on to explain that if an audience finds something funny they will laugh. Imagine that.

Summary: A Solid "Introduction to Theatre" text
The story of the textbook is to give students an appreciation of theatre, to delineate theatre from other Art forms such as sculpture, dance, and painting as well as film and sporting events. The text gives a concise and accurate, although thoroughly Western, overview of theatre history with brief emphasis on African and Asian theatre. One is taken Chapter by Chapter through a discovery process from the very broad appreciation of theatre as a performing art to the very specific nuances of various Asian performance techniques. Along the way there are three units broken up into various chapters. Unit one focuses on audience relationship to the stage, the social context of theatre, textual and visual analysis a.k.a audience appreciation. Unit Two analyzes the state of theatre today and occupations in theatre. Unit Three focuses entirely on theatre history with chapters on ancient theatre, the middle ages, neoclassicism, romanticism, avant garde, eclectic and current theatre, and concludes with world theatre (mainly African, Islamic, and Asian). The book's weaknesses are its decidedly Western and Caucasian focus, very little of the text is devoted to non-white theatre and (although much improved on other texts) there are very few multi-cultural photos and illustrations included. Also, there are no plays included in the text. It is difficult to encourage script analysis if no script is included, and one page of a script with blocking scribbled all over it does not suffice. There is not much focus on design besides explaining the role of designers in the theatrical process and showing different illustrations of various historical theatre buildings or areas. Lastly, not knowing how to eloquently state this, there is something disturbing about siphoning Chekhov, Ibsen, the Federal Theatre Project, Kathakali, avant garde, Ira Aldridge etc. to two paragraphs or less. By trying to include so many various historical topics in one relatively small text, the authors have sold many of them short. Overall, If used in combination with lectures or texts on design, live performance, and a collection of world drama or scripts this is a solid and very useful text.

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	Theater Games for the Classroom: A Teacher's Handbook Publisher: Northwestern University Press Authors: Viola Spolin
ISBN: 0810140047 List Price: $22.00 Amazon Price: $22.00 Usually ships in 24 hours Buy this book from amazon.com or from amazon.co.uk	Avg Cusomer Rating: 2 Reviews: Summary: Not what I thought it would be I teach drama/theater in a low income public school. I bought the book because my school has very few resources and I thought this might be useful. As it turned out the book was hardly used during my first year teaching. My biggest problem with this book is that it is not very user friendly for a teacher who just wants to add some fun to a class but not a complex game. In other words the book needs to make the games simpler so the kids can pick them up faster and have more fun. This might not be problem for teachers in high school as your students might be more mature and able to handle more complex games. But for middle school teachers tread lightly. Also if you have a bunch of behavior problems in your class then forgot about it. In my experience I found the worse the behavior the better they were at spoiling fun classroom games. Be warned. Summary: Theater Games for the Classroom: A Teacher's Handbook EXCELLENT!! Inspiring. Well Organized. So many great ideas for the new or seasoned acting teacher. Summary: My bible! As a teacher of drama to many low-income, urban, and "difficult" adolescents, this is the book that I find most useful, alive, and inspiring! Simply wonderful for anyone trying to bring the best out of young actors! Summary:

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Directing for the Stage: A Workshop Guide of 42 Creative Training Exercises and Projects

Publisher: Meriwether Publishing, Ltd.
Authors: Terry John Converse

ISBN: 1566080142
List Price: $25.95
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Summary: Excellent book for Directing and Acting
The book should appeal to teachers of both directing and acting in its systematic, comprehensive approach. I had the good fortune to work with Terry Converse in WSU's Theatre Program for several years, and we pioneered a combined directing and acting course where directing students and acting students worked and learned together. Now that I am teaching at another university I had the opportunity to teach a combined Directing and Acting course, using his book. At first, I thought the directing students might benefit the most, but I discovered the exercises he developed benefitted the actors as well. The actors developed their craft through many of the silent scenes and justifying movement exercises that led them to examine the fine points of their characterizations. The directing students learned how to work with actors and develop a comprehensive approach to directing a scene, and our work culminated in an inspiring Ten-Minute Play Festival at the end of the semester. This book is well written with numerous examples, practical exercises, and assessment guidelines at the end of each chapter--a good, hands-on approach.

Summary: works best as a textbook
Mr. Converse has written with this helpful introductory course, a fine textbook for introducing one to the craft of directing. When viewed in that context, this book serves its purpose well. Having used this text in conjunction with William Ball's superb book "A Sense Of Direction", in the directing class I teach, I have found Converse's excercises to be helpful and precise (if rather dry) in building craft. Especially helpful is Converse's chapters on blocking and creating pictures. His suggestions and activities designed to teach one how to communicate and direct traffic are most helpful. If one is looking for a great read, this is not the book to use. For that I again suggest Ball or Clurman's fine "On Directing". But for some "hands on" activities in the dramatic classroom or for the director just starting out on their own, this will work just fine- as long as you have someone else to bounce your ideas off of.

Summary: A user-friendly directing book
In 10 years of teaching high school drama, this is the first book where the theory of directing is embodied in a series of lessons which can be taught sequentially or mixed and matched. I have used the open scripts in acting class with junior students and amended the lessons to my own ends in picturization, focus, tempo, pathway, subtext and a myriad of other directing skills which need to be built upon.

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Theatrical Design and Production: An Introduction to Scene Design and Construction, Lighting, Sound, Costume, and Makeup

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
Authors: J. Michael Gillette

ISBN: 0767411919
List Price: $71.87
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Avg Cusomer Rating: 5
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Summary: Usefull text
I'm a lighting design major in college, and no matter what I take a class in, Gillette's book is the standard must have for all tech (and acting) majors. It's a requirement for stage tech 1, and then is used again through out the college carreer, and I have heard people even refrence it after they graduate. The best places to start for new techies are this book, and the 'backstage handbook'

Summary: EXCELENT!! VERY COMPLETE
I think its an amazing book! very complete, it tells you about the roles of every one involved, the make up, scene design, construction, sound, costume and lighting, so if you are serious about becoming an excelent theatrical designer and producer, then this is the best place to start!! from here you can buy other books, but this is a must have!

Summary: Huh?
Hi I am 11 and I want to make props for my film!Is This the right book?It looks exspensive but is it worth it?I need a book and fast!

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