Clowning is a way of creating and performing inspired by pure play. For internationally renowned teacher, director, and actor Joe Dieffenbacher, a clown is not a character, but an energy – a way of relating to the physical world. Here, in an extract from his book Drama Games for Clowning and Physical Comedy, he explains … Continue reading ‘Interacting with the world through play’ – how clowning can benefit any performer
Theatre Books
Seven steps performers can use to combat stress (and how it can sometimes be useful)
Pursuing a career in the arts brings unique pressures and demands – and in order to navigate them, it's important that performers and creatives develop techniques to maintain good emotional wellbeing. In this extract from their new book Developing Your Emotional Health: The Compact Guide, authors and mind coaches Andy Barker, Brian Cooley and Beth … Continue reading Seven steps performers can use to combat stress (and how it can sometimes be useful)
Five top tips for running effective drama workshops
Linden Walcott-Burton has over fifteen years' experience of running drama workshops – including for the National Theatre, The Old Vic, Barbican, Battersea Arts Centre and National Youth Theatre. Now he's written The Drama Workshop Leader, a comprehensive, easy-to-use guide that contains everything you need to plan and deliver effective drama sessions yourself. To get you … Continue reading Five top tips for running effective drama workshops
‘Our bodies know even more than our conscious imagination’: Mel Churcher on our elemental drives and how we can harness them in the acting process
Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Quintessence. We are all a complex mixture of the five elemental energies identified by many different cultures throughout history. Here, international acting coach MEL CHURCHER shows how an elemental approach to acting can help you bring your role more fully into life – plus a sample exercise from her new book … Continue reading ‘Our bodies know even more than our conscious imagination’: Mel Churcher on our elemental drives and how we can harness them in the acting process
How to bring Shakespeare’s plays to life for young people
Working on Shakespeare's plays can be a transformational experience for young people. His stories resonate with everyone, whatever their age or background. His language may be challenging on the page, but it comes to life when spoken aloud; we use it in our daily lives, often without even realising it. Here, arts education consultant ALANNA … Continue reading How to bring Shakespeare’s plays to life for young people
‘My happy place is where Art meets Activism’: Julie Hesmondhalgh on why she feels at home with political theatre
Julie Hesmondhalgh is one of those rare human beings: an actor who is instantly recognisable from her performances in popular TV dramas such as Broadchurch and Happy Valley, and as Hayley in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street; but at the same time, one who remains grounded in a politically engaged, compassionate, activist, grass-roots theatre … Continue reading ‘My happy place is where Art meets Activism’: Julie Hesmondhalgh on why she feels at home with political theatre
‘Theatre needs to be reoccupied by the theatremakers’: Russell Lucas on breaking through industry barriers
Russell Lucas doesn't exist. At least, not according to conventional theatre categories. He's a writer, deviser, producer, actor and director – often all at once. He's a lecturer too. And why not? In his new book, 300 Thoughts for Theatremakers, he offers inspiration and encouragement for theatremakers everywhere, and argues that the maverick, hybrid, jack-of-all-trades … Continue reading ‘Theatre needs to be reoccupied by the theatremakers’: Russell Lucas on breaking through industry barriers
‘The training must go on!’ – Glyn Trefor-Jones on teaching drama socially distanced
Teachers and students returning to school this month are having to get to grips with a 'new normal' of bubbles, masks, and social distancing. The constraints caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic make teaching any subject trickier – but perhaps none more so than drama. That's why director, writer and teacher Glyn Trefor-Jones has created … Continue reading ‘The training must go on!’ – Glyn Trefor-Jones on teaching drama socially distanced
‘Theatre in its purest form’: Cheryl Henson on the power of puppetry in an increasingly digital world
Puppetry is an artform with ancient roots, but contemporary applications - and the international success of shows like National Theatre hit War Horse proves that it has lost none of its magic. Here, Cheryl Henson, President of the Jim Henson Foundation, reflects on how that ‘magic’ happens, and pays tribute to director and puppeteer Mervyn … Continue reading ‘Theatre in its purest form’: Cheryl Henson on the power of puppetry in an increasingly digital world
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Everything That Went Into Writing My New Book (But Were Too Polite to Ask, Dear)
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the West End... The masked man of Theatreland has returned. West End Producer's new book is the ultimate guide to theatregoing, full of the hilarious advice and insight he's become known for. Here, WEP reveals the blood, sweat and Dom Pérignon that went into writing … Continue reading Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Everything That Went Into Writing My New Book (But Were Too Polite to Ask, Dear)
The Prompt Book 