A monograph about Aurand Harris, America's giant playwright for children of all ages around the world, a bouquet from numerous individuals. Here are heart-warming stories of Harris as mentor, playwright, teacher, a multifaceted genius of perceptive insight and contagious joy. Contributors include former students, actors, friends, colleagues, among them - Lola and Coleman Jennings, Laurie Gollobin, Elizabeth Flory Kelly, William M. Plater, Barry Kornhauser, Orlin Corey, Gerald Bepko, Jane M. Gangi, John Tolch, David and Ruth Warner, Dorothy Peek, Rita Kahn, Dorothy Webb, Tom Behm, Nellie McCaslin, Rob apple, Patrick Pacheco, Joyce E. Davis, Ann Stahlman Hill. Insights and wisdom of great value for all who produce or write plays for children.

All proceeds go to the Aurand Harris Funds of the Children's Theatre Foundation of America, to whom playwright Harris left all his royalty revenues.

A religious drama, arranged from the King James version of the Biblical book. Designed for choral presentation, in an altar setting, and accompanied by photographs of the Byzantine motif developed by Mrs. Corey, the book traces the odyssey of this remarkable production, which began with a week's engagement at the Brussels Fair in 1958, became an annual tourist attraction in Kentucky, besides playing two off-Broadway runs, and five international tours. Now available for amateur production.

A book for drama therapist professionals and the general reader. The life-achievement of Marian Lindkvist is SESAME, the highly respected therapy project and organization in the United Kindgom. Across more than thirty years she was visionary, founder and Honorary Director. Today SESAME has an excellent training program of positive benefits to innumerable patients around the globe. This book documents Lindkvist's pioneering work in drama therapy, from her carefully crafted therapeutic achievements in the UK to her exploration of healing rituals in South Aftrica.

As if the above were not enough, BRING WHITE BEADS reveals an exceptional sensitivity and insight into the cultural practices of African and Western peoples. A most perceptive observer, Ms Lindkvist tells an intensely personal story with disarming honesty and impeccable detail. A rare book of a genuine quest - - both inner and outer - - toward larger harmonies. Marian Lindkvist individually and uniquely sounds the ancient and ageless mysteries of healing.

An introduction to the field of creative drama for teachers of any age group or population, this text by a nationally known scholar, theatre artist, and educator, has long been anticipated. Professor Kase-Polisini draws from unparalleled research in the field, both here and abroad. She recently directed the International Symposia on Creative Drama for the Children's Theatre Association of America, conducted in Canada and the United States, at five university sites.

Her book describes what creative drama is, why it works with any group of people from the very young to the very old, healthy or handicapped, in school, recreational, or theatre art, clarifying why an understanding of theatre is helpful to the teacher. Following an examination of dramatic play, she describes the fundamentals and basic procedures used by creative drama teachers. Her book is unique in its extensive presentation of three distinctive teaching methods, created by masters of the field, with descriptions of specific lessons for each method. Her book is also unique in devoting an entire chapter to the "creative" in creative drama. The bibliography is the most extensive published to date.

The Creative Drama Book: Three Approaches is an altogether different kind of book for this field. It is the first of a new generation of textbooks in creative drama.

A how-to book for new directors working with young actors. Written by Michael H. Hibbard, a veteran teacher/director who understands students, parents and school district requirements, this is a practical guide crafted with a sense of humor. He guides the reader from play selection to curtain call, with stops along the way to address the mysteries of rehearsals, play production and evaluations

For teachers, new directors, veteran directors working with youth for the first time, directors of church, school, or community programs---a good review for anyone working with drama programs for youth.

An important anthology, the first to trace the evolution of child drama across the last one hundred years in dramatic works and commentary.

Dr. Roger L. Bedard, noted theorist and historian of theatre for young audiences, has updated this classic anthology to offer contemporary perspectives on the growth and development in the field through the twentieth century. Building on the First Edition, published in 1984, Dr. Bedard has selected several new plays and contributed new commentary, including an historical overview which considers the field in the contest of wider social and cultural issues. This Second Edition also includes a bibliography of anthologies of plays for young audiences compiled by Katherine Krzys, Curator of the Child Drama Collection at Arizona State University.

The plays included are: The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Birthday of the Infanta by Stuart Walker, The Ghost of Mr. Penny by Rosemary Musil, Rumpelstiltskin by Charlotte Chorpenning, Reynard the Fox by Arthur Fauquez, Androcles and the Lion by Aurand Harris, The Ice Wolf by Joanna Halpert Kraus, Step on a Crack by Suzan L. Zeder, The Arkansaw Bear by Aurand Harris, Jack and the Wonder Beans by Larry Snipes, The Yellow Boat by David Saar, Tomato Plant Girl by Wesley Middleton, Highest Heaven by José Cruz González, The Wrestling Season by Laurie Brooks.

A practical manual for teachers trained in drama or just starting out.
The Title describes: Roots, a sense of where we come from and wings, to set us free. This book contains classroom-proven material from skilled drama teachers, aimed at the child's creative, social, and intellectual growth. The lesson plans, adaptable to your individual classroom needs from primary through upper grades, cover five areas from beginning movement to advanced story-making. The activity/exercise sections include descriptions of Motivation and Method plus Expected Behavior.

Subjects include: Creative Drama, Drama in Content Areas, Creative Movement-Pantomime, Senses and Feelings, Characterization, Dialogue-Vocalization, Dramatic Form.

Revised and expanded from Foreword through Appendix, this edition adds a section of drama in curricular areas. Related articles by drama leaders nationwide give valuable perspective. A special chapter is devoted to evaluation.

Contributors to the information in this book include: Ann M. Shaw, Dorothy Schwartz, Nellie McCaslin, Aurand Harris, Johnny Saldana, John Sharpham, Pamela Rich, Dorothy Aldrich, Judith Kase Polisini, Lin Wright. Profits from the sale of this book are dedicated to the Winifred Ward Scholarship Fund.

Winifred Ward - artist, philosopher, director, innovator, teacher is revealed anew in this sprightly anthology, both in her own letters, writings, lectures, and as perceived by students, colleagues, and scholars. An international roster of child drama leaders contribute to this mosaic portrait of one of the twentieth century's great teachers. The proceeds of its sale are contributed to the Winifred Ward Scholarship Fund. Profusely illustrated.

Here for teachers is nothing less than a structure for creating a program of individual dramatic investigation of personal culture, rooted in the forms and traditions of family and community. Activities are suggested for various community uses, scripts for choral readings and/or slide shows with songs, multimedia alternatives for insight and expression. I CREATE MY WORLD is a unique and open-ended contribution to innovative learning and teaching in creative drama, and is designed for teachers. Suggested for use with ages 6-18.

This book is an insight into Paul Baker's famous INTEGRATION OF ABILITIES COURSE, through informal conversational format and liberally embellished with photographs. This unorthodox experience in learning evolved in four decades of Baker's classroom work. His teaching career earned many accolades including TIME magazine's praise as "one of the most effective college teachers in the country." Here is a highly personal, thought-provoking philosophy of creative work of limitless application to all of the arts - and life itself. The work of an outstanding pioneer in the field of creative learning.

PAUL BAKER (2008): Currently residing near Gonzales, Texas, 97-year-old Dr. Baker is the founder of the Dallas Theater Center (DTC) and founding principal of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. His unique approach to learning has been in use at DCT and Booker T. Washington since the late 1970’s. His daughter and protégé, Robyn Baker Flatt, later applied her father’s unique learning approach and began teaching it as part of the core curriculum in the Dallas public elementary school system 17 years ago. Because Dr. Baker’s technique employs visual, auditory and kinetic interaction, rather than just passive listening, it has been used successfully to train business leaders, playwrights, architects, novelists and every discipline in between. Dr. Baker’s methodologies work with the five senses, making it easy to translate the curriculum to groups with various skill levels and language abilities allowing them to come together to address global issues.

Find out more about how Dr. Baker's methods for creative thinking are being used in business, education, and problem solving today: The Baker Idea Insititute

A fresh attack on the designing assignment: A plan of action, from a world-famous designer who starts with the advantage of an extraordinary talent, but then immerses herself in brick-by-brick labour to achieve her ends; who embraces her existing, often limiting conditions, and uses them to discipline her imagination. This book, written with charm, wit, and humanity, and generously illustrated, is directed to the working theatre artist who seeks to expand his own knowledge, enlarge his own experience, explore his own capabilities, achieve his own individual style.
See also The Face is a Canvas; An Odyssey of Masquers
Learn more about Irene Corey: Irene Corey Design

The Model Curriculum is designed to provide guidance for developing curricular and co-curricular drama/theatre programs based upon the individual needs of learners. It presents a rationale for education students of all ages in the discipline of theatre, and details goals and objectives upon which to build a series of sequential learning experiences. The goals; component skills, attitudes, and understandings; broad objectives and numerous resulting expectancies are organized developmentally K-Grade 12 and presented in chart form. Also included are definitions of terminology and a bibliography.

This useful resource, the result of a three year National Theatre Education Project, is based on the practice, research, and expertise of more than 70 highly experienced contributors from across the nation.

Edited by Coleman A. Jennings
Published by University of Texas Press
Paperback, 335 pages
$24.95
ISBN 978-0-292-71855-5

In today's multicultural world there is an urgent need for more plays and books that represent a diverse array of ethnic groups. Theatre and book critics, scholars, and theatre professionals have long campaigned for a broader representation of minorities in book and play publishing.

In this anthology, renowned theatre expert Coleman A. Jennings has compiled a selection of plays by José Cruz González that meets these multicultural demands head-on. González is a foremost voice in theatre for children and youth whose plays address themes, often through imaginary lands and extraordinary characters, faced by children in their everyday lives.

Born to migrant workers in Calexico, California, in 1957, González learned at a young age how to tap into the vast world of his imagination. From his grandfather, who would regale the family with stories and riddles as they worked on the farm, he learned the power of storytelling. He spent afternoons, weekends, and summers working in the fields, so it is no surprise that his plays are strongly tied to the natural world. His use of magical realism has become one of his trademarks.

The nine plays in this anthology were thoughtfully collected and will go far to fill the multicultural gap in the world of theatre for children: The Magic Rainforest––An Amazon Journey; Two Donuts; Marisol's Christmas; Tomas and the Library Lady; Watermelon Kisses; Old Jake's Skirts; Lily Plants a Garden; Salt & Pepper; The Highest Heaven.

Coleman A. Jennings is Jesse H. Jones Regents Professor in Fine Arts in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a leading authority on theatre for young audiences and editor of eight anthologies of plays that represent the major works of America's foremost playwrights.

The story of Everyman Players, a legendary regional theatre troupe from 1957-1980, is a "Cinderella tale" of artistry and pluck, travail and accolades.

Orlin Corey, director, Irene Corey, designer, co-created Everyman, birthed from their early signature creation, The Book of Job drama, on a small college campus in the mid-fifties. In twenty-four professional seasons they mounted a dozen theatre classics, among them Electra, The Tempest, Romans by Saint Paul, Reynard the Fox, The Pilgrim's Progress. Their distinctive and highly styled productions were trouped a million miles on a global circuit.

Everyman won critical acclaim and public huzzas on four continents for direction, design, and "seamless artistry."

Their Book of Job drama, and Romans by Saint Paul are theatrical landmarks. Their Electra and The Tempest are classics of both direction and design, Everyman launched Reynard the Fox and The Great Cross-Country Race, productions which have enthralled children for over a quarter-century.

Irene Corey's designs for Everyman's repertoire are richly represented in 48 pages of color photos, most not published before. This account of America's only touring classical repertory troupe is a readable and entertaining adventure of the theatre. Author Corey weaves incident, observation, and anecdote into an engrossing narrative.
See also The Face is a Canvas; The Mask of Reality
Learn more about Irene Corey: Irene Corey Design

PLAYS CHILDREN LOVE follows the very successful format used in Jennings and Harris' earlier collection - - a selection of nine plays for adults to perform for children, and ten plays for children to produce and perform themselves. Among the favorites collected here: Charlotte's Web, The Wizard of Oz, Treasure Island, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Jim Thorpe All-American.

With an extensive introduction detailing the special needs of producing plays for children, and with instructions for helping children get the most out of producing plays themselves, this book will be a tremendous asset to children's theatre groups, to school libraries, and to parents coast to coast.

This anthology of THE BOOK OF JOB DRAMA; the cantata of ROMANS BY SAINT PAUL; THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS; and ESTHER THE QUEEN - - - the "crown jewels" of the distinctive Everyman Players. It uniquely includes the director's staging plans for these celebrated ritual productions, in tandem with the text. Sussinct introductions set forth the rationale of each, followed by a summary of performance history.

The late E. Martin Browne, English producer of the plays of T.S. Eliot and Christopher Fry, and patron of Everyman, wrote an introduction to the Corey adaptations a few years ago: "These are the only religious dramas conceived for cathedral and chancel production to achieve international applause since Eliot's MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL in the mid-thirties, and Fry's A SLEEP OF PRISONERS in the early fifties. They belong in every good theatre library, and will be of abiding interest to producers and directors of both secular and sacred stages. Corey has a theatrical genius for conceiving and creating dramatic rituals of abiding power and magnetism, evidenced in his adaptations and staging."
Also available: An Odyssey of Masquers -The Everyman Players for design illustrations and photos.

Here is a collection of twelve classic plays from different countries, reflecting different cultures and written in different styles. This fine anthology is for teachers who want to stimulate interest in classic drama, for producers who do not have the facilities to give full productions, for directors of the high school one-act play contests who want quality scripts, for actors who need scenes for classes, auditions and performances, for librarians who wish to offer samplings of important literature, for students who want a quick survey of classics. All these mini versions have been pre-tested. Several have won contest awards.

The plays include:
Ralph Roister Doister, Midsummer Night's Dream
A Doctor in Spite of Himself, The Tricks of Scapin
She Stoops to Conquer, Fashion
The Romancers, Cyrano de Bergerac
Candida, A Toby Show
The Second Shepherd's Play, The Importance of Being Earnest

Aurand Harris, well known playwright, director and teacher, uses his theatre knowledge and dramatic craftsmanship in editing these theatre classics.

A collection of 100 well-loved stories for young people, designed for use by teachers, recreation leaders, children's theatre directors, and others in the teaching of creative drama through improvisation. Prefaced by three chapters of instruction on the use of this material including: Creative Drama and Its Objectives, The Choice of Material, and How To Dramatize A Story. Stories are grouped according to age level (Ages 5-7, Ages 8-9, Ages 10-11, Ages 12-14), and each story is introduced by suggestions for its use. The stories have a high potential of dramatic content, which makes them especially enjoyable for reading and telling. Great for use with younger children in the classroom or home setting.

Designed for teachers of upper elementary grades with little or no experience using informal drama in the classroom, this book is based on the premise that drama is one of the fine arts, and is essential to basic education. It illuminates, simplifies, and clarifies the "whats, whys, and hows" of drama in the classroom. Widely tested, evaluated, and applauded nationally, this Second Edition is beneficiary of research and observation, is extensively enlarged in activities and literature. Non-European literature has been expanded, with materials from Asia, Africa, Latin America, Native and Black America. "Teacher-friendly" and stimulating this book is indispensable to both beginning an advanced practitioners for its assessment aids, and exciting idea-starters.

A comprehensive resource for teachers and a national best seller.

(Volume One: Kindergarten Through Third Grade - currently out of print)

A commentary and play script anthology celbrating the legendary playwright, Aurand Harris and his work for young audiences.

The fifteen plays of Aurand Harris that are included, have been produced and applauded in thousands of productions around the world for nearly a half century. Harris was a prodigious dramatist, writing a new published play each season. He was a tireless experimenter of forms, themes, subjects. This modest man of irrepressible imagination and energy carried a vast array of honors and accolades. He was the first recipient of a National Endowment of the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship in Children's Theatre. He received an honorary doctorate from a mid-western university, and was introduced into the College of Fellows of the American Theatre. He was the first playwright to receive the Medallion of the Children's Theatre Foundation of America.

THE THEATRE OF AURAND HARRIS tells of his triple career as playwright, a classroom teacher, as a member of the Hollywood artistic community during its golden age (Mae West was once an honored guest at his birthday party!) For the first time his major thoughts about writing and directing plays for young audiences have been collected for study.

The fifteen plays range from 1945 to 1994, including both classics by Harris, and many never before anthologized, including THE PINBALLS, MONKEY MAGIC, and PETER RABBIT AND ME. Illustrations of Harris and notable productions are included.

LOWELL SWORTZELL, biographer and editor, is the author of fifteen published plays, and two other play anthologies. He is Professor and Director of the Program in Educational Theatre at New York University.

A comprehensive survey of the field of theatre and youth in America. This edition, updated in 1987, keeps the contemporary scene, amid many changes, in full focus. New research is noted, with further emphasis upon the impact of television on children. The repertoire is reexamined, and the extensive plays list, unique in the field, is expanded by seventy titles to a total of 350. Appendices and bibliography are again current. Maintained are the fundamentals associated with the book - a full exploration of production forms and styles, the roles of the director, designer, technicians, actors in bringing the production to the stage for children and youth. Categories of management and sponsorship are dealt with. Current uses of theatre in the educational process are appraised.

The Davis and Evans work, unchallenged as the premiere study of the field, is essential to every practitioner and scholar of theatre, and to everyone wishing to be fully informed on this dynamic subject.

Softbound, 60 pages
$12.50
ISBN 0-87602-023-6

Orlin Corey, a world theatre producer and play publisher, challenges, observations, and philosophy about children's theatre. Creator-director of an art theatre of world classics from the Bible, the Greeks, and Shakespeare, Corey was no less well-known for his dedication to theatre inclusive of children. At the behest of Sara Spencer, he consented to her selection from his speeches and writings of his convictions, concerns, promise and risks of theatre for children. These reflect his varied and unique experiences around the world, and his resolve to wage war against mediocrity in theatre. For children he offered nothing less than the excellence of Art. This voice and vision of a generation ago is now clearly timeless, often prophetic.

This reissued edition, with Professor Jenning's evaluation, replies to many requests from directors, playwrights, and producers who remember the original, out of print for nearly two decades.

An anthology of plays by contemporary authors that challenge the youth audience to ponder their experience and not shrink away from difficult truths of life. Plays include: Country Mouse and the Missing Lunch Mystery by Sandra Fenichel Asher, Ernie's Incredible Illucinations by Alan Ayckbourn, Two Donuts by Jose Cruz Gonzales, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Timothy Mason and Mel Marvin, A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas by Laurie Brooks, Braille: the Early Life of Louis Braille by Lola H. and Coleman A. Jennings, Bless Cricket, Crest Toothpaste and Tommy Tune by Linda Daugherty, The Great Gilly Hopkins by David Paterson and Steve Liebman, The Witches by David Wood, Mississippi Pinocchio by Mary Hall Surface and David Maddox, The Wolf and Its Shadows by Sandra Fenichel Asher, Ezigbo:The Spirit Child by Max Bush and Adaora Nzelibe Schmeidl, Inuk by Henry Beissel, A Village Fable by James Still, The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Y. York.

Reviews: Theatre for Children: Fifteen Classic Plays ... is a valuable and long needed resource for instructors of college level children's theatre courses; for actors, directors and producers; for high school teachers who produce plays for young audiences, and for informed readers. ---Dorothy Webb, Artistic Director, The Bonderman Playwrighting Project, The Indiana Repertory Theatre.

As a high school teacher, I want my students to read and perform works from Jennings' collection, not only because of the ages of the characters match their own but because the theatricality of the scripts may stretch their imaginations. Fifteen Plays... features adolescent protagonists taking action to change their destinies and improve their worlds. While most secondary programs are more familiar with the adult genre, middle and high school teachers should include Jennings' new collection in their libraries, curricula, and repertoires. ---John D. Newman, Arts Academy Director, Highland High School, Salt Lake City, UT. (Peer reviews submitted to the editors of St. Martin's Press.)

Presented with the right plays, children are the most honest and appreciative of audiences. This anthology, compiled by a highly respected authority on children's theatre, collects new and overlooked scripts that represent the best of modern playwriting for children. From works adapted from classic children's stories to original contemporary scripts, each play inspires the imagination as it entertains.

With complete scripts for twenty plays plus a biographical sketch of each playwright, THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES is invaluable for anyone involved in children's theatre, from community groups to teachers and students of dramatic literature.

The plays are: CHARLOTTE'S WEB - Robinette, THE ARKANSAW BEAR-Harris, REALLY ROSIE-Sendak, WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN-Zeder, ACCORDING TO COYOTE-Kauffman, THE MISCHIEF MAKERS-Swortzell, THE WISE MEN OF CHELM-Asher, CROW &

WEASEL-Leonard, Jr., THE ICE WOLF-Kraus, HOME ON THE MORNIN'TRAIN-Hines, THE FALCON-Palmer, THE MAN-CHILD - Rabin, HUSH: AN INTERVIEW WITH AMERICA-Still, Boncon-Loomer, THE CRANE WIFE-Carlisle, JUNGALBOOK-Mast, A THOUSANDCRANES-Miller, THE YELLOW BOAT-Saar, SELKIE-Brooks.

Moses Goldberg has been a witness to, and in an important leader of, much of the development of theatre for young audiences (TYA). In this collection of essays, he reveals his personal insights and passions, drawing on his years of experience in the changing field –– especially his twenty-five years as producing director of Louisville's Stage One.

The essays divide into three sections, examining the Politics, the Art, and the Business of TYA (and include such provocative concepts as The Actor/Priest, The 60-Minute Myth, and Stage, by Stages.) This book is for practitioners of the field and also parents, educators, and political leaders who want to understand the link between a child's profound arts experience - a frequent occurence, and the real world of politics, funding, and school bus schedules.

Eight of Suzan Zeder's plays, each widely produced and popular, are in this anthology, a collection of her first works for stage. Zeder is one of the most imaginative playwrights of her generation, and is best known for the depth and dimension of her child protagonists, the bold handling of contemporary themes and issues. She is theatrically exciting and surprising. Here are the titles for which she is famous - STEP ON A CRACK, WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN, DOORS, MOTHER HICKS. Here are her well-crafted adaptations - - OZMA OF OZ, THE PLAY CALLED NOAH'S FLOOD. And here are recent works -- OTHER DOORS, IN A ROOM SOMEWHERE. They range from comedy to drama, realism to fantasy, uniquely blending styles and themes. For these reasons, among many, she early received the coveted Chorpenning Cup from the Children's Theatre Association of America. Twice her plays have been named for the Distinguished Play Award of the American Association of Theatre for Youth.

Editor Davis, an authority on the works and writing of Zeder, brings her considerable skills as a theatre producer, and drama scholar, to her insightful introduction, and brief critical essays to each play. These will be helpful to every stage director, to playwrights, and to all who will read this volume as dramatic literature.