The Art of the Playwright: Creating the Magic of Theatre

Two fully expanded and updated resource guides for writers at all levels of experienceWriting for the stage and screen presents artistic challenges to aspiring dramatics everywhere. Through practical, proven methods, playwright and poet William Packard leads readers past personal and professional obstacles to discover dramatic success.

Whether advising readers on the best use of action and on-stage visuals or providing guidelines in effective development of character, dialogue, and plot, The Art of the Playwright offers an insightful and comprehensive introduction to the craft of writing plays. In addition, writers will find an extensive and invaluable listing of theaters, funding sources, writers' colonies, contests, and magazines that publish plays. The book also traces playwriting through the centuries, devoting special attention to the Greek tragedians and the comedies, tragedies, and histories of Shakespeare.

Playwright Packard ( The Art of Screenwriting) describes well how plays are made and how to develop characters, dialogue, themes, plots, and conflicts. Each chapter deals with a single aspect of playwrighting, includes well-chosen scenes from classic plays, and ends with a brief piece of advice, etc. The book, however, is too brief, and Packard tends to oversimplify very complex issues. Still, an excellent introduction to playwrighting for both aspiring writers and theatergoers; a good companion to Simon Gray's An Unnatural Pursuit and Other Pieces (LJ 2/15/86). Daniel J. Lombardo, Jones Lib., Inc., Amherst, Mass.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.