Improvisation for the Theater: A Handbook of Teaching and Directing Techniques, Including a New Appendix / Edition 3

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More About This Textbook

Overview

Here is the thoroughly revised third edition of the bible of improvisational theater.

Viola Spolin's improvisational techniques changed the very nature and practice of modern theater. The first two editions of Improvisation for the Theater sold more than 100,000 copies and inspired actors, directors, teachers, and writers in theater, television, film. These techniques have also influenced the fields of education, mental health, social work, and psychology.

Also available: Spolin's Theater Game File

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Editorial Reviews

Library Journal
This new edition of a highly acclaimed handbook, last published in 1983 and widely used by theater teachers and directors, is sure to be welcomed by members of the theater profession. Spolin, who died in 1994, developed her improvisational techniques of using "game" exercises while teaching with the WPA Recreational Project in Chicago. Editor Sills, her son and founder of the Second City Theater, here updates over 200 classic exercises and adds 30 new ones. The creative group work and games, which can be used with all levels and ages of performers, and workshop techniques that enhance performers' natural abilities and intuition are all clearly explained. Also included are useful definitions of theater terms and a glossary of side-coaching phrases. Libraries with older editions will want this excellent update. Highly recommended for all theater arts collections.--Howard E. Miller, Rosary H.S. Lib., St. Louis Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
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Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780810140080
  • Publisher: Northwestern University Press
  • Publication date: 7/28/1999
  • Edition description: 3
  • Edition number: 3
  • Pages: 412
  • Sales rank: 181,493
  • Lexile: 1030L (what's this?)
  • Product dimensions: 6.00 (w) x 9.00 (h) x 1.10 (d)

Meet the Author

Viola Spolin, the originator of theater games, was introduced to the use of games, storytelling, folk dance, and dramatics as tools for stimulating creative expression in the 1920s while a student of Neva Boyd at Chicago's Hull House. During her years as a teacher and supervisor of creative dramatics there, she began to develop her nonverbal, nonpsychological approach. Her books have been translated into Swedish, German, and Portuguese. She died in 1994.

Paul Sills is Viola Spolin's son and the founding director of Chicago's Second City and of Story Theater. He is the coeditor of the third edition of Improvisation for the Theater.

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Table of Contents

Editor's Note
Paul Sills' Introduction
Paul Sills' Sayings of Viola Spolin
Alphabetical List of Exercises
Acknowledgments
Viola Spolin's Preface to the First Edition
Viola Spolin's Preface to the Second Edition
Theory and Foundation
Ch. I Creative Experience 3
Ch. II Workshop Procedures 18
Exercises
Ch. III Orientation 51
Ch. IV Where 87
Ch. V Acting with the Whole Body 135
Ch. VI Non-Directional Blocking 145
Ch. VII Refining Awareness 157
Ch. VIII Broadcasting and Technical Effects 180
Ch. IX Developing Material for Situations 189
Ch. X Speech and Rounding-Out Exercises 206
Ch. XI Emotion 219
Ch. XII Character 233
Children and the Theater
Ch. XIII Understanding the Child 253
Ch. XIV Fundamentals for the Child Actor 268
Ch. XV Workshop for Six-to-Eight-Year-Olds 278
Formal Theater and Improvisational Theater
Ch. XVI Preparation 297
Ch. XVII Rehearsal and Performance 307
Ch. XVIII Post-Mortem and Special Problems 341
Definition of Terms 355
Glossary of Side-Coaching Phrases 374
App. I New Exercises 379
App. II Traditional Games 399
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Sort by: Showing all of 4 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 4, 2003

    A Great Tool for Improvisational Theater

    This phenomenal book by the late Viola Spolin allows any actor or actress to really grasp the emotion, movement, and interation that take place on stage. She uses a series of games and excercises that tackle all the major areas of Improvisational theater. It starts from the beginning, and works players up to scenes involving Who, What, and Where. This book will help even the most experienced of actors, and those who are just beginning. Ideal for: College Courses High School Courses Theater Workshops

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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    Posted October 15, 2008

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