David Wood has been called by the London Times "the national children's dramatist." Presenting theatre for children as a separate art form, Mr. Wood here draws upon his experience as a magician, actor, director, producer, composer, and playwright, and analyzes the skills involved in entertaining and involving audiences of children everywhere. He reveals his special techniques for catching and holding a child's attention, provides a practical handbook illustrated with excerpts from his plays, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into them. He also examines the business side of children's theatre, showing exactly how a good synopsis will help to sell an idea. "The challenge," he writes, "is to give a unique theatrical experience to an audience, many of whom will be first-time theatergoers, to involve them emotionally, to sustain their interest in a story, to inspire and excite them using theatricality, to make them laugh, to make them think, to move them, to entertain and educate them by triggering their imaginations." This comprehensive guide written with Janet Grant is essential reading for professionals and amateurs alike and for anyone wishing to be involved in the theatre for children.

About the Author
David Wood has been writing, adapting, directing, and acting in plays for children for more than twenty-five years. His best-known work has enjoyed international success and has entered the repertory of amateur companies and school dramatic societies. "Wood's great quality as a playwright is his confidence in his audience's ability to make giant imaginative leaps, coupled with a refusal to shortchange them artistically."-Financial Times.

Reviews
Wood's great quality as a playwright is his confidence in his audience's ability to make giant imaginative leaps, coupled with a refusal to shortchange them artistically. * Financial Times *
A marvelous contribution to the world of Youth Theater...A must. -- Robyn Flatt, Dallas Children's Theater
An important resource...basic, highly readable, and extremely practical. * Stage Of The Art *
The national children's dramatist. * London Times *
For over thirty years David has had the ability to captivate children's minds.... He has often been called the National Playwright for Children and he deserves it. -- Sir Cameron Mackintosh



Book Information
ISBN 9781566632331
Author David Wood
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Ivan R Dee, Inc
Publisher Ivan R Dee, Inc
Weight(grams) 327g
Dimensions(mm) 205mm * 136mm * 22mm