Working Together in Theatre: Collaboration and Leadership

Janet Grosser

ABC of Ballet

This concise little book provides a clearly worded and abundantly illustrated introduction to the language and positions of classical ballet. Beginning with the five basic foot positions, it fully defines and describes in alphabetical order more than 40 ballet-related terms from "adagio," "allegro," and "arabesque "to" tour en l'aire," "tutu," and "variation." The precise, easy-to-follow text is accompanied by 48 realistically rendered illustrations, many of which show major ballet steps in sequenced drawings. A pronunciation guide to terms (listed alphabetically) is also included. Designed to heighten any ballet lover's appreciation and enjoyment of this art form, "ABC of Ballet" will serve as an excellent primer for ballet audiences, enthusiasts, and beginning students alike."

Duchartre, Pierre L. Ducharte

The Italian Comedy

The roots of the Italian commedia dell'arte stretch back to the Atellanae Fabulae, popular farces of ancient Rome. Modern descendants can be found in the antics of a comic like Charles Chaplin. But as an institution it was unique -- a perfected theater of improvisation where gifted actors created some of the most memorable characters the theatre has ever seen. It was from this enchanting world that Harlequin and Punch, the Doctor and the Captain, Pantaloon and Brighella emerged to reign over Europe for three centuries. Writers, composers, and painters have drawn inspiration from the commedia; its influence is obvious in the work of Lope de Vega, the English Elizabethan dramatists, Moliere, Callot, Watteau, Cezanne, and Picasso.One of the most important books written on this aspect of theatrical history is this famous study. Tracing the beginnings, growth, and influence of the commedia dell'arte, Duchartre describes the improvisations, staging, masks, scenarios, acting troupes, and characters that made up this special form of theater. Unfortunately, the English translation that appeared in 1929 has been out of print for decades, leaving scholars and theater lovers without a ...

Brian O'Neil

Acting as a Business: Strategies for Success

O'Neil updates his indispensable resource to keep up with the latest show-business trends, and helps readers put control of their acting career where it belongs: in their own hands.