Introduction to Theatre Arts: A 36-Week Action Handbook

There are few text books on the market for theatre arts, especailly at the middle-school level. This is a great book for the beginning teacher and/or the middle-school teacher of theatre. It provides an acceptable educational structure while still acknowleging the creative side of the subject.

This is by far the most outstanding teaching guide I've found yet. The lesson plans are well organized which allows me more time for hands-on teaching. The guide includes great work sheets and lots of creative ideas. Everything from scene work and characterization to theatre history is covered in a sequential order. I've found this a great teaching tool.

Introduction To Theatre Arts appears in two sets: as an action handbook for students of drama (1566080908, $19.95) and as a teacher's accompanying handbook to a 36-week course (1566080916, $24.95). The teacher's guide includes lesson plans, a weekly calendar, evaluation techniques and tips, and tests; while the student's guide covers basics plus play production, publicity, theatre history, and games and routines for improving acting skills. Together this is a powerful course of study recommended for any high school to adult drama group.

Theatre arts teachers in high school and middle school will find Zimmerman's new text a treasure. This book not only covers a wide spectrum of topics for the theatre student, but serves as a superbly organized and logical framework for any introductory course in theatre. Theatre Arts covers such areas as acting technique, technical theatre, history, improvisation, publicity and stage production. Students will find the material presented in a clear, concise manner complete with worksheets and games to reinforce learned materials. Teachers, particularly those new to educational theatre will find that Suzi Zimmerman has devoted the teacher's guide to creating a theatre program that is fun for the students, and is easy as possible for the teacher. She has included exams, suggestions for establishing a drama club, evaluation tools, forms and awards, and suggestions for auditions. While the material in her book is probably best suited for new theatre programs and teachers, experienced teachers will find a wealth of ideas that may be incorporated into any level course.