Comedy Theatre

A compact version of the masterly and celebrated Cambridge Guide to Theatre. Quick and easy reference to over 3000 entries on the world's most famous playwrights, actors, directors, designers; the grand sweep of theatre through the ages - from Sanskrit drama and the theatre of ancient Greece to the contemporary stage; the vivacity of popular theatre - musical comedy and music halls, magic, mime, juggling, circus, drag artists; stage lighting, theatre design, sound effects, costume; topics such as ritual, play, comedy, naturalism, parody; and the traditions of drama in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. An indispensable quick reference work for students, teachers and theatregoers.

A variety of stories from the pens of classical and contemporary writers, journalists and playwrights have been adapted for Readers Theatre performance in this new collection of scripts by a nationally-known authority on the subject. The success of Readers Theatre proves you don't need scenery or costumes to create a stirring dramatic performance. Sometimes called "theatre of the imagination, " Readers Theatre communicates in a style similar to the golden days of radio theatre. Its ease of performance makes these scripts ideal for the drama classroom. Sample titles include: The Tooth Fairy Who Didn't Have Any Teeth, The Taming of the Shrew, Sir de Maletrolt's Door, The Wind in the Willows and Where Have All the Flowers Gone? Included is a section defining Readers Theatre as a performance art. Contents: Reader's Theatre: A Performance Art, Comedy, Mystery/Suspense, Christmas Specials, Folklore, Children's Classics, The Human Spirit.