Customer Reviews

The Art of the Playwright

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Art of the Playwright lacked direction. It did not contain enough examples of formatting and rather concentrated too much on the creative process. If you are already a writer who needs advice on the format (scenes, line spacing, acts, etc.) then I sincerely would not recommend this book. It explains how to create characters and storylines and for people who think they are already rather creative, it makes you feel like a preschooler. However, for the novice, it just may float.

Gave me the rundown on what playwriting involves. Great for the beginner and also as a reference to go back to. In a nutshell he emphasizes the three major elements over and over in different forms: Actions, Visuals, and Stakes. Emphasis on the technical and the bottom-line of a play: it must hold an audience's attention on stage. How to do that? That's what the book is about. He also gives us an overview into the history of theater and the different schools of playwriting.

Clear and entertaining read. Great great book.

William Packard conveys the essence of the art of playwriting needed to empower the imaginations of playwrights. He brilliantly teaches the central role of visuals and actions. His book is a precious source of enlightenment in a world of teachers who do more harm than good.