Power of One, The: The Solo Play for Playwrights, Actors, and Directors [Paperback]

Louis E. Catron (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0325001537 | ISBN-13: 978-0325001531 | Publication Date: February 7, 2000

Catron offers an outstanding guide for anyone interested in working in this form.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Also by Louis Catron and available from Waveland Press: The Elements of Playwriting (ISBN 9781577662273) and Playwriting: Writing, Producing, and Selling Your Play (ISBN 9781577665644). Titles of related interest: Dean-Carra, Fundamentals of Play Directing, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577666486) and Patterson, Stage Directing: The First Experiences (ISBN 9781577665960). --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

A professor of theatre at the College of William and Mary, Louis Catron has had extensive experience as an actor, director, and playwright and has won significant industry awards. He is the author of numerous books on theatre, including The Power of One (Heinemann) and Playwriting: Writing, Producing, and Selling Your Play (Waveland Press). His articles appear frequently in national media.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann Drama (February 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0325001537
• ISBN-13: 978-0325001531
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,179,294 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Right on!, September 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Power of One, The: The Solo Play for Playwrights, Actors, and Directors (Paperback)

I had been struggling to make my own one-woman show work for several years and it just wouldn't get off the ground. Then, a friendly theater critic, told me I really ought get this book and just to please her, (always be polite to critics!) I got it and saw mistakes I had in my script and got new ideas to improve it. Okay, so I'm not on Broadway yet, but becuase of this book I fixed my play and improved my acting so I'm now getting many chances to do my script and audience reaction is great! The book inspired me to write a new solo play that I'm opening soon. There are complete actual one-person plays in the book and excellent comments on what makes them effective so you can examine your own play. Even better is the advice about vocal work and how to make the voice dynamic. That hit me right where I live and I know I'm a better actress now. The book gives you a historical perspective about these solo plays that I didn't know and it makes you respect doing htem. "The Power of One" is exactly the right title to make you see what you can accomplish by yourself. I've never written a review of a book before but this has been the most helpful theater book I've read yet. Five stars? At least!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An inspiring step-by-step guidebook--a real gem, June 9, 2003

By 

Susan "Author & Invisible Illness Advocate" (FL USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Power of One, The: The Solo Play for Playwrights, Actors, and Directors (Paperback)

I have been a (very) part-time freelance writer and author for a number of years. Recently, I decided that I wanted to write a one-person show, though I had absolutely NO idea how to begin. While researching for advice, I stumbled upon Dr. Catron's book. While waiting for its arrival, I corresponded with people who had success with this medium and got some good, general advice. When I received Dr. Catron's book, I devoured it. Not only was it a complete, step-by-step guide to creating a one-person show from start to finish, but it was an incredibly compelling read. I had little interest in the history of this medium ... until I began reading the book. My copy is now filled with yellow highlights that I refer to over and over again ... something I have rarely done in the past! In addition, it was a crash course in playwrighting and presentation. Now, I feel absolutely clear on how to proceed, and have a map of exactly how to do so. He also presents a strong message that this medium is not just for experts, but for anyone with something to say. And even if you are clueless to begin with, Dr. Catron guides you to find your inner voice so you HAVE something to say by the end of the book. In addition, Dr. Catron fills his chapters with encouragement. His passion for the subject and his ability to inspire are a winning combination. I hope more people like me will take his advice and go for the stars!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good book to have in your collection, March 19, 2001

By 

Shawn Taylor (Bay Area, California United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Power of One, The: The Solo Play for Playwrights, Actors, and Directors (Paperback)

If you've ever wanted to create a solo show, but didn't know how to go about it, then this book should make for an enlightening read. The overviews of the tradition of solo performance, and the brief artist breakdowns help to jog the imagination of the solo performer. Read this book along with EXTREME EXPOSURE, OUT OF CHARACTER, GETTING YOUR SOLO ACT TOGETHER, JAIL'S HOSPITALS AND HIP HOP, FREAK to get a great solo performance cross-section.