Spaces of Creation: The Creative Process of Playwriting

The writer of a play, looking at the first blank piece of paper has to first create a world. It is a world that will exist only in the mind of the audience, but it is a world none the less. He has to start with some kind of image of the space he is creating along with the emotions that he has to make the audience feel. To do this the author must look at the conflicting ideas inside his head and bring them out to mere words on that piece of paper. Susan Zeder is the head of the playwriting program at the University of Texas at Austin. Jim Hancock is a teacher of acting and movement. Over many years they have jointly developed their approach to teaching acting. This book summarizes their efforts. It combines an array of psychophysical and theatrical approaches to playwriting that is unique. Following a series of short exercises, this book will enlighten and entertain while uncovering ways to invigorate your writing from within.