The Young Actor's Book of Improvisation: Dramatic Situations from Shakespeare to Spielberg (Vol 2) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Susan Kosoff (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-Drawing on a wide variety of material, the authors have compiled dozens of scenarios organized within the themes of "Climactic Moment/Discovery," "Confrontation/Conflict," "Fantasy," "Relationship," "Solo Moment," "Special Problems," "Subtext," and "Unusual Circumstances." Sources for the improvisations run the gamut from The Children's Hour to the Mambo Kings. However, the book's diversity, which is its greatest strength, also makes it necessary to sound a note of caution. Not all of the selections are appropriate for the intended audience. Subjects such as teen pregnancy, homosexuality, prostitution, adultery, suicide, AIDS, and drug use are all covered. While it is true that these topics have been the subjects of countless YA novels, there is a difference between reading a book privately and acting out a part in front of one's peers. Some students may feel uncomfortable with certain parts, and younger teens may not have the level of sophistication that many of the improvisations require. This is a rich resource, but it is one from which drama teachers will have to pick and choose.
Marilyn Heath, Greenwood High School, SC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

The most extensive sourcebook available for nurturing young actors' improvisational work.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann Drama (March 16, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0325000492
• ISBN-13: 978-0325000497
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,472,153 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brings you inside the characters, August 16, 2001

By	Ingrid Johnson (Batavia, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was excellent. It really makes you think and go inside the character. It would be a perfect total of five stars if it had more improvisation ideas for one person. Other than that, it great. I really liked it, and if you take a drama class, I recommend you bring it with you for the whole class to share--but make sure nobody tries to [take] it!