Playwrighting
 Playwriting Master Class
Michael Wright
8 playwrights share their process and inspiration in this most valuable of books on the art and craft of playwrighting. Softcover, 312 pp. $22.95.
 The Dramatists Guild Resource Directory 2011
Dramatists Guild
The official annual reference of the Dramatists Guild of America for playwrights, composers, lyricists and librettists. Softcover, 198 pp. $22.95.
The Secret Life of Plays
Steve Waters
Acclaimed playwright Steve Waters offers a much needed forray into the art of playwrighting with a witty, insightful and fascinating look into what makes plays live and breath. Softcover, 210 pp. $32.95.
How Plays Work
David Edgar
Written for playwrights and playgoers alike, David Edgar's analysis starts with the building blocks of whole plays -- plot, character-creation, genre and structure -- and moves on to scenes and devices. He shows how plays share a common architecture without which the uniqueness of their authors' vision would be invisible. In all, this is a masterclass in the art of playwrighting. Softcover, 220 pp. $27.95.
 Strange Bedfellows
Howard Richler
Investigating the "private lives of words", Howard Richler exposes the often louche baggage that many words have accumulated throughout the centuries. Discover how "exuberant" used to mean "luxuriantly fertile" and derives originally from "overflowing udders." Learn how words such as "avocado" and "porcelain" have past associations with some of the nether regions of the body that have been conveniently forgotten by the lovers of fruit and fine china. With over two hundred select words to uncover, readers will be surprised and delighted by the unexpected liaisons in Strange Bedfellows. Softcover, 161 pp. $19.95.
 The Play that Changed my Life
Ben Hodges
What was the play that changed your life? What was the play that inspired you; that showed you something entirely new; that was so thrilling or surprising, breathtaking or poignant, that you were never the same? Nineteen gifted playwrights respond in this revealing and personal book about their experiences with the transformative power of theatre. Softcover, 173 pp. $22.95.
 The Greek Playwright
Clem Martini
At the same time an examination into the craft of playwrighting and an exploration of the techniques, works, and context of the ancient Greek dramatists, The Greek Playwright is an informative and entertaining study of what it means to tell stories on the stage. Softcover, 135 pp. $19.95.
 The Elements of Playwriting
Louis E. Catron
For focusing on the concept of "stageworthiness", this book shows you how to avoid common playwriting pitfalls, such as treating a play as literature or being overinfluenced by cinematic writing. Examples from classical and modern plays are included throughout, as are exercises for sharpening and developing your skills. A valuable guide for both the novice and advanced playwright. Softcover, $19.95.
 The Power of One: The Solo Play for Playwrights, Actors, and Directors
Louis E. Catron
Louis Catron offers an outstanding guide for playwrights, actors, and directors who are interested in working in this form. He demonstrates techniques of writing, acting, and directing that encourage the reader to create a personal theatrical experience, whether a full-length play or one as short as a one-act. Softcover, 230 pp. $22.95.
 So You Want To Be A Playwright?
Tim Fountain
Directly adedressing the reader as a fellow writer, Tim Fountain guides you, the aspiring playwright, over the many hurdles that must be cleared - from finding a story that only you know, through the detailed construction of the play, act by act, scene by scene, draft by draft, and on to the many strategies that can help to get it onto the stage. Softcover, 131 pp. $24.95.
 Practical Praywriting
Leroy Clark
Practical Playwriting: A Guide for the Stage leads the reader through the process of creating a stage-worthy script. Looking at the practical realities of today's theatre, Leroy Clark -- a renowned teacher, writer, and director -- provides sound advice to help develop character, plot, and dialogue. Softcover, 275 pp. $21.95.
 Writing Musical Theatre
Allen Cohen & Steven J. Rosenhaus
This complete guide to writing the modern musical explains the entire process
of creating a show, from finding and working out the initial idea,
through the writing of both songs and libretto, to the ways in which
writers can
market a finished show and get it produced. Written in an engaging
and accessible style, it is an essential resource for serious professionals
and anyone else looking to understand how a musical is written. As
veterans
of numerous professional productions, Cohen and Rosenhaus provide
readers with an inside look at the exciting world of Broadway musical
theatre. Hardcover, 290 pp. $43.95.
 Words at Play: Creative Writing and Dramaturgy
Felicia Hardison Londre
In this encompassing and accessible introduction to dramaturgy, Felicia
Hardison Londre promotes the dramaturgical essay as both an art form
and a method for improving creative writing skills. Words at Play includes Londre's essays on plays produced at several regional professional
theatre
companies interspersed with instructive examples for writing more
clearly, economically, and compellingly. A groundbreaking compilation
of
dramaturgical
essays combined with practical writing tips, Words at Play is a valuable
tool for aspiring dramaturgs, critics, and directors that will appeal
to theatregoers as well. Softcover,
249 pp. $40.50.
 To Be a Playwright
Janet Neipris
Published playwright and renowned educator Janet Neipris has written a
lively and informative guide to the art of playwriting. Consisting
of a carefully considered series of essays, this book is packed with
practical insights and personal wisdom which together will prove
invaluable to both
novice and veteran playwrights. Essential reading not only for writers,
but for all people who love good theatre.
Softcover, 241 pp. $23.95.
 Playwriting: The Structure of Action
Sam Smiley
Revised for a new generation of playwrights and screenwriters, this classic
guide provides the principles of effective dramatic writing. Playwrights
and screenwriters will discover these essential principles and acquire
the tools to put them to use. No writer, director, critic, or teacher
concerned with dramatic writing should be without this intelligent
and inspiring
guide.
Softcover, 324 pp.
$27.95.
 Playwriting: A Practical Guide
Noel Greig
This collection of practical exercises can be used in a wide variety of
contexts: as a step-by-step guide for the individual playwright, as a
handy resource for a teacher or workshop leader, or as a stimulus for
a group-devised
play. All the exercises can be adapted for the specific context. This
is the ideal handbook for anyone who engages with playwriting and who
is concerned
with bringing a story to life. Softcover, 204 pp. $35.50.
 The Crafty Art of Playmaking
Alan Ayckbourn
With over 60 plays written and performed, Alan Ayckbourn's expertise in writing
and
directing plays is unsurpassed. For the first time, here in The Crafty Art
of
Playmaking, he shares all his tricks of the trade. From helpful hints on
writing to tips on directing, the book provides a complete primer for the tyro
and a refresher
for the more experienced. Softcover, 173 pp. $22.00.
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Birth of a Bookworm
Solving Your Script: Tools and Techniques for the Playwright
Playwrights in Rehearsal
