Devised and Collaborative Theatre

Rating:
Summary: Superb !
Review: I have devised many shows with young people and in professional contexts. There is no other book which does the job this one does. It allows professionals from the whole spectrum (from directors to composers to stage managers) to write about their experiences of devising in a way ANYONE would find useful. It is a MUST for any student or young professional wishing to begin work from a non text base.

Rating:
Summary: Just what you've been looking for...
Review: I've read many books on this subject in the vain hope that they will give me advice on how to actually CREATE theatre on a PRACTICAL level: not to be patronised in the process or made to feel that because I don't have enough experience I shouldn't even bother. Well, PRAISE BE TO THE THEATRE GODS, I've found a book that not only shows me how to practically create and produce non-text based theatre but to actually enjoy it too!
The writers' enthusiasm leaps off of the page and soon injects that same enthusiasm into the reader...whether they are a student, keen theatregoer, professional or amateur.
The presentation is wonderful: the photographs, illustrations, checklists, 'prompt points' and the excellent clearly and expertly written text etc. all add to the overall feeling of being 'shown' how to make theatre through the benefit of the contributors' collective and extensive experience, not being 'taught' or being bombarded with unhelpful theories by teachers whom have never produced a theatre event.
It is obvious to all those who read this book that the author is an excellent teacher. The book is written in such a way as to give immensely helpful advice to the reader but essentially demonstrates that theatre is a process of discovery and the reader needs to discover their own working methodologies, so they can create theatre that is socially applicable to their world - think of the information in this book as the foundations for your own theatre creating process...
In all, an excellent book and source of advice. Go on! Make use their expertise, experience and talent to create and have fun with your own productions! Worth every penny!