Introduction to Readers Theatre; A Guide to Classroom Performance

by Gerald Lee Ratliff

Overview

Today's Readers Theatre is engaged in the exciting pursuit of a more contemporary self-definition, and some of the more theatrical trends of classroom performance are reflected in this new book of basic practices and principles. The fundamental performance theory at work in each chapter's discussion, exercises and sample scripts is that today's Readers Theatre is concerned with a "dramatic visualization" of literary texts. The focus here is on translating primary Readers Theatre principles into classroom performance practices that feature performers artistically transforming literary figures or images into flesh-and-blood character portraits and visual pictures.It clarifies methods and techniques in adapting prose works of all types to a classroom stage. This current, more theatrical approach is developed through the six chapters: Introduction to Readers Theatre, Selecting and Analyzing Literature, Adapting Literature, Playing Space and Staging, Classroom Exercises and Sample Performance Scripts. This fine text includes many royalty-free script adaptations for performers and audiences of all ages as well as an extensive listing of source material ideas to further develop your own Readers Theatre.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781566080538
Publisher:	Meriwether Publishing, Limited
Publication date:	05/28/1999
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

About the Author

Gerald Lee Ratliffis an award-winning author of numerous articles and textbooks in performance approaches to the study of classroom literature. He has held national and international offices as President of the Eastern Communication Association (1993), Theta Alpha Phi (1986), American Association of Arts' Administrators (1998), and Deputy Director General of the (Cambridge, England) International Biographical Centre (1999). He has also served on the advisory boards of the Association for Communication Administration, American Council of Academic Deans, International Arts Association, and Society of Educators and Scholars. In addition, he was awarded theDistinguished Service Awardfrom both the Eastern Communication Association (1993) and Theta Alpha Phi (1992); was selected a Fulbright Scholar to China (1990) and a U.S.A. delegate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to Russia (1991); elected "Fellow" of the (London) International Schools of Theatre Association (1991); and has received multiple "Outstanding Teacher" awards for pioneering creative approaches to classroom instruction. Currently, he is associated with The State University of New York, College at Potsdam.