5 comments about Breakfast with Sharks: A Screenwriter's Guide to Getting the Meeting, Nailing the Pitch, Signing the Deal, and Navigating the Murky Waters of Hollywood.

1. First a disclosure - I am not a screenwriter. I am an avid reader. So the fact this book didn't thrill me may mean nothing. If you're in pursuit of this dream you may have the background to assess the advice proffered.
   
   From purely a readers point of view I think the book could flow better. I have a keen interest in most things Hollywood, and those chapters dealing with Hollywood as town were intriguing. Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need



2. I read this book expecting to find a lot of Hollywood gossip. Instead, it was a down to earth 'how to' guide for becoming a star-screenwriter.
   
   Some of the suggestions are very specific to the industry. For example, how to decide when to move to Hollywood or how to get across the San Fernando valley for an interview when you don't own a car. Most of the advice is fairly general, though. Ben Franklin would approve.
   
   The text is fast paced and entertaining. It doesn't quite read like a novel, but you will start watching for the author's name to appear on your local cinema.



3. Wow! Full of sound advice from experience. Michael Lent is clearly someone who pays attention to the whole process. The best part is he shares it with the rest of us! This book is fun to read from start to finish. Lent constantly encourages the reader (screenwriter) to adopt an attitude of, what I would call, "strategic humility" in their business dealings. How rare!!! This stuff helps in life too! I've never written a feature length screenplay, but I still found this book efficacious in learning the ins and outs of this goofy industry. And I know goofy - www.chrismundell.com



4. I'm on my third reading of Michael Lent's "Breakfast with Sharks" (2-7-05), and I highly this book to any screenwriter making serious go of trying to sell his/her work.
   
   Micheal Lent doesn't make things up. His book is filled with real life "lived" experiences.
   
   This book is a godsend if you've a written a screenplay and have started your foray into the next scary step-selling!! "Breakfast with Sharks" will help you disciminate information and buzzwords used at screenwrinting seminars and help decode the Hollywood Creative Directory.
   
   My favorite section in the entire book is "Studio Notes: What They Are and How to Handle Them".
   
   Overall a great book, insprationaly it ranks right up there with Karl Iglesias' "The 101 Habits of Hightly Successful Screenwriters".
   
   - Review given by Eric C.Henrikson Febuary 7, 2005



5. 
   As a beginning screenwriter I know the competition is fierce especially for those like me without film school, living outside of Hollywood. That's why I bought Breakfast with Sharks. There isn't a screenwriting resource out there like it. Sure, I've bought a few screenwriting books but most of them say the same things, how to write a screenplay and a query letter. This book delves into the business of screenwriting, if you don't have a father in the business you will need to learn the business and Breakfast with Sharks is a way to do it. I found the book also enjoyable to read with personal stories of Hollywood misfortune and finally success. Breakfast with Sharks rises above the competition with a unique purpose and helps you to write above the competition with what many others forget to bring to Hollywood, a plan and a unique voice.

5 comments about In the Arena: An Autobiography.

1. A good autobiography is one in which you can hear the author audibly speaking out the book in your head as your read. Certainly you have that in the Arena. It will be a long time before I get the voice of Charlton Heston out of my head.
   
   Summary: This book does have some politics in it but it is far from politically correct. One thing is certain about Charlton Heston: He speaks candidly about his opinions, and holds no punches for doing so. With that said this is not a book about politics. The final chapter is fabulously written pointing out the facts and ending strong words of encouragement for America.
   
   I picked up this book to learn insight into the background of some of the movies that he had performed in. Not only did I find that but I also found a man rich in conviction and commitment. How many men stay with their first love, and how fewer are those numbers counted as individuals in the entertainment industry? Heston's commitment to his wife Lydia shows his real character.
   
   The only negative that I can find in this book is Chapter 20. For some odd reason Heston breaks his chronological order for only this chapter. This chapter is primarily about his stage plays and it tends to ramble on over 40 pages, I can almost imagine that somehow this chapter missed the editors cut. This chapter isn't as well written as the others and is difficult reading in that the storyline jumps around quite a bit. In all honesty, you could skip this chapter all together and go right to 21.
   
   Breakdown Review:
   Storyline: I give 4 out of 5 stars simply because of the inconsistency of chapter 20.
   
   Writing style: 5 out of 5 stars. It is written in the way that you would imagine Charlton Heston speaking. Rich and free.
   
   Depth/Inspiration: 5 out of 5 stars. This was only a 3 ranking until chapter 22. I would have preferred he put more information in about his personal relationships and religious beliefs. If you only read one chapter read 22. Very inspirational for the American reader.
   
   Entertainment/Education value: 5 out of 5 stars. Definitely an entertaining novel, one that is quite difficult to put down once you get into it. This book is educational not only on Mr. Heston's life but also on how movies are directed and a slight insight into the internal workings of the motion picture industry.



2. Charlton Heston's larger-than-life screen presence comes through on every page of his wonderful 1995 autobiography, which is a really great read. Heston grew up poor in the woods of northern Michigan, where he was lonely and painfully shy. He gained confidence in his high school's senior play, and as he says, he never looked back. He won a university scholarship, and there he had his first-ever date. Her name was Lydia; she was an acting student, and they have been happily married now for over 60 years.
   
   Heston began his career on the stage; he loves acting in and directing plays, especially Shakespeare, and has done almost as many plays as movies. We get all the fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, learn which movies he is most proud of and those that make him cringe, the co-stars he admired and those he didn't. He has no false modesty about his power as an international movie star, yet he comes across as a genuinely nice man who treasures his family.
   
   Fans of Charlton Heston are sure to enjoy this heartfelt autobiography.
   
   Kona



3. Charlton Heston's autobiography is a wonderful journey of his life, from shy teenager to Hollywood legend! A director/actor who has helped in recreating history, not only on film, but on the stage too, with some of the biggest names in the acting arena. His book reflects, with great wit,love and affection his personal life; with the love of his life of more than 60 years, his wife, Lydia, his co-stars, his directors' and his love affair with his work. His book is honest and gives his fans an indepth look at what it's like to be one of the greatest actors that ever walked on this planet. I highly recommend it! I wrote to him this week, as you know, he is not in good health, we wish him well. There is only one Ben Hur!



4. This is a great book. If you are a fan of Mr. Heston's work, then you will most certainly enjoy this book. I read it because I love his movies so much, and I very much admire the man. Reading this book just increased that admiration. The book also offers many insights into the movie making process behind the scenes, directors, producers, actors, etc. Heston's writing is easy to follow, with many observations about numerous topics offered for thought. Lets face it, Heston is one of THE greats of all time, and will always be.



5. First off, the day I agree with Charlton Heston's politics is the day I grow horns on my head, and a third arm to boot. Doesn't matter. This is an excellent memoir, and I'm very sorry to see it out of print. (I sent copies to my equally liberal friends. They enjoyed it as well...)

   History, anecdote and Hollywood play the key roles in this book. I wouldn't call Heston's clearly self-written style "gossipy", but he does tell many "insider" tales. There's little judgement or conservative propoganda in these segments, just an underrated actor explaining how he's been involved with industry titans over the last 50+ years. Honest views of Orson Welles, Cecil B. Demille, William Wyler, etc. Unexpected stuff; did you know Heston crashed his WWII army truck into a snowdrift in the Aleutian Islands, then handed the keys to his superior so he could catch the next flight home? No? Funny story, and this book has many. There are spare evocative stories of a lonely childhood that may in fact be more painful than Heston could capture. And if you need to know whether Heston is circumcised, this book will tell you. (Why, I dunno...)

   Heston discusses most of his films, with careful observation that shows his artistic taste and common sense. It's that taste that has kept him from making garbage films so many of his contemporaries lived off for years. Although he's made few great films, he hasn't made many dogs. His honest self-criticism is refreshing, and usually accurate. Paraphrase: ("I tried to play an educated Mexican lawyer in 'Touch of Evil' without an accent. A mistake. Everyone has an accent...") He chronicles his varied career on stage, a career most people know nothing about. Artistically, the boy done good.

   Then it gets sticky. The book veers towards politics in the final 3rd, reminding me why this guy bugs me. Marching in civil rights protests does not give you justification for any goofy political idea you have in the future. (Jesse Jackson is a good example...) Heston blows affirmitave action out of proportion, and his own words in the first half make his later comments on feminism seem bizarre and slummy. (But who knows, he IS an elected president of the National Rifle Association. Perhaps there was an upcoming election?)

   Still, the way I look at it, if there's room for a self-righteous Barbra Streisand promoting dopey Hollywood causes, there's equal room for a Charlton Heston promoting guns. (He just picked a cause that matched his screen persona perfectly.) I'm happy to say most of this book avoids the argument entirely. Good stuff. Buy it.

5 comments about Les Miserables: Vocal Selections.

1. i had the chance to see les miserables and right after the show i bought this book. for me the songs were almost too easy. the only one i'm having trouble with now is "Master of the House".



2. I love this musical and last year for my solo day I sang Castle on a Cloud(in the seventh grade) it was so beautiful, I love the music and the words, I lived that song for weeks and really loved it. This book made it even better.



3. If you love Les Miz and want to sing or play the music, buy this. If you love musical theatre, buy this book! It has all the great songs from the show.



4. Overall, I am glad I bought this book. The main thing I was disappointed about was that the lyrics to the songs are not included.



5. Being a huge fan of the Les Miserables musical, I borrowed this book at the library hoping to be able to play some of my favorite songs on the piano. I was not disapointed!
   
   Since I play piano by playing the guitar chords giving for each song, I was so happy to find that the book contained all the chords that I needed to play the songs.
   
   From the start I was able to play all the songs pretty well (with the exception of 'Stars', but that's because I barely know the tune to begin with, lol), and with practice I was able to play many of them VERY well.
   
   Its a fantastic book. I have had so much fun singing the songs and accompaning myself on the piano!

5 comments about The Quotable John Wayne: The Grit and Wisdom of an American Icon.

1. Great book full of common sense and insight into the man. Proof that when you look up American in the dictionary, it says 'see John Wayne'. Why didn't we ever make this man President?



2. I've been a fan of "Duke" for over 30 years and I've read a lot about him, and I can say that "The Quotable John Wayne - The Grit And Wisdom Of An American Icon" by Carol Lea Mueller is one of the finest. Not simply another boring biography like many other books, this book succinctly gets to the 'True Grit'...the spirit behind the legend of the man. Chock full of interesting anecdotes,memorable quotes and tasty tidbits regarding Duke's attitudes about God, America & family values, it's all here. Good job Ms. Mueller!



3. The John Wayne fanatic in our family (who, by the way, has nearly everything John Wayne) was excited to receive this as a gift.



4. This book has real American Ideals from a True American Icon, from a time when being a proud American was a good thing. This book has come out at a perfect time to remind Americans that it is okay to be patriotic.
   This is something that any fan of John Wayne, westerns or American Ideals, should have on their shelves.
   I highly appreciate Carol Mueller for reminding us that John Wayne was a True American and publishing it in time for John Waynes 100 year anniversery.



5. I just picked up The Quotable John Wayne - The Grit and Wisdom of an American Icon, compiled and edited by Carol Lea Mueller. This isn't exactly a Western book. John Wayne was an actor, not a cowboy, but he was a true westerner.
   
   This small book can be read in an hour, but it begs rereading. The compiled quotes are not lines from Wayne's movies; they're his comments in private life. They show Wayne to be quick-witted, a warm human being, and of a consistent character with the roles he played in the movies.
   
   The quote on the back cover that grabbed my attention was, "Don't even for a minute make the mistake of looking down your nose at Westerns. They're art - the good ones, I mean... the facination with the Old West will never die."
   
   Each chapter starts with quotes about John Wayne and then proceeds to give his opinions on the chapter subject. As you might guess, his statements are never mealy-mouthed.
   The Shopkeeper

5 comments about Michael Caine - Acting in Film: An Actor's Take on Movie Making (The Applause Acting Series) Revised Expanded Edition.

1. This paperback did give some basic information that any mature adult should already know. Show up on time, be humble, know your lines, be sociable with others you're working with...I already knew all this though working in the corporate world.



2. A great book. Michael Caine is one of the best in the business, and part of the fun crowd. This book gives wonderful insight into the world of acting in film, behavior on/off the set, "the take," and more.



3. acting is acting and if you can act onstage, you can act on-camera, probaly true but still before you make your move to the silver screen, read this book...Michael Cain reveals insider secrets, tips and straight forward talk about acting from a grand master..what a gem of a book for anyone interested in film...



4. This book is short and sweet, right to the point and actually pretty fun to read. Michael Caine knows what he's doing (ridiculously obvious comment of the day) and he gives a lot of great tips to actors and filmmakers alive. I am a director and I've read dozens of books on directing and there are things in this slim volume that I have never seen anywhere else.



5. Michael Caine's awareness of what makes screen acting different than the stage, and his ability to perform with that awareness and then share it with others is a gift to all actors, as well as those who want to understand what makes an actor great and a movie superb or a bomb. There is nothing better for acting on screen.

5 comments about Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika (Angels in America).

1. I read this playbook without having seen the play, which I usual don't do, but this one just kept me hooked from start to finish.



2. If you haven't yet read it, please read the prequel to this play, `Angels in America, Pt. 1: Millennium Approaches' prior to this one. The staging is a bit different, similar in style (rapid scene changes, minimalist set, etc.) but it starts out with the wreckage from the Angel's entry in the previous play.

   Kushner described this play as a comedy, but I cannot see it that way. Except for irony and dark humour (perhaps akin to the idea of the Human Comedy, in which nothing is really funny) almost ever movement in the play is serious. And yet, in the face of death, what can be serious?

   Roy Cohn is on his deathbed in the hospital, and receives prayers and rebuke from Ethel Rosenberg. Harper is gloriously insane in many ways with a Valium addiction, having lost Joe to a male lover. Harper lives with Hannah, Joe's mother now ensconced in New York City.

   Louis and Prior struggle to come to terms, although Prior knows that Louis has met up with Joe. Cohn learns of Joe's marriage break-up and the cause, and throws a fit.

   Oh yes, did I fail to mention the drag-queen-turned-nurse named Belize (a stage name) who attends both Cohn in the hospital and Prior at home?

   There are extended scenes of Prior and the Angel, exchanging information, stories, prophecies. Back in the days when the supply of AZT was almost non-existent, Cohn manages to get some via his connexions, and Belize manages to get some away from him for Prior. Later, after Cohn dies, he steals the rest of the supply, but not before calling Louis in to recite the Kaddish in thanks for the `gift'. Of course, Louis doesn't want to.

   `I'm not saying any ... Kaddish for him. The drugs OK, sure, fine, but no... way am I praying for him. My New Deal Pinko Parents in Schenectady would never forgive me, they're already so disappointed, "He's a f*g. He's an office temp. And now look, he's saying Kaddish for Roy Cohn".'

   In the end, there is death, and there is life, and even the high angels cannot stop the progress, for they don't know how. But, like most mythologies, there is a hope that survives. `This disease will be the end of many of us, but not nearly all, and the dead will be commemorated and will struggle on with the living, and we are not going away. We won't die secret deaths anymore. The world only spins forward. We will be citizens. The time has come.'

   Kushner's plays are remarkable statements of the culture of the times, in the 1980s and 1990s, with the growth of the AIDS crisis and the unveiling of diversity in all its suffering during arguably the most inopportune political time it could have been occurring, the Reagan/Bush era.

   The characterisations are astonishing, as is the dialogue, and despite the drawbacks of play-form to more conventional narrative, this play yields fascinating results, not the least of which because it permits the reader to construct new meanings in conjunction with the play.

   ***

   Kushner's prophetic call for a new world has not been fully answered, and perhaps never can be fully answered. Prophetic calls are interesting things - most prophets in fact fail in their mission (if you look at the Bible and other religions, you'll find out that prophets are often right, but only discovered to be right after their advice has been ignored and destruction has been the result).

   The call to the world that I see is that we must all have compassion on those who suffer, for a true commitment to humanity requires that the living make amends to the dead by saving those who can be saved, and comforting those who cannot be to the best of our abilities.




3. If one had to choose the ten best or most influnetial plays of the 1990's, Tony Kishner's Angels In America: The Milleniun Approaches and Perestroika would be on the list. The first one was comedic and tragic, with a brilliant conclusion. One would think it would be a difficult follow-up. Well, the second is actually better than the first. The characters are developed further, and the crisis continues. This play is more symbolic and expressionistic than the first, but that is the key to it's success.

   At once heart-breaking and funny, compassionate and humorous, this play strikes a chord, and is worthy of the praise it has received.




4. Amazing. A perfect ending. I find this to be the epitomy of excellent playwrighting. If you have any interest in becoming more well-read, please read this two-part series. It only gets better as you go along.



5. Tony Kushner has an interesting way of showing his audience how reality isn't really fun at all. He walks us through the lives of a group of people in which they all know each other somewhere along the line. Tragedy has struck a gay couple...AIDS. Prior contracted aids, hence, his boyfriend decided to leave him. Joe is a married man who is in the closet about being gay, whereas, his wife Harper is an agoraphobic addicted to valium. Life isn't very simple among this group. Kushner somehow makes this story somewhat beautiful. As Prior is dying, Kushner has this Angel come and comfort him. He shows his audience how one may deal with such issues. He sends the message that when things go wrong, stay strong and follow your heart, and everything will turn out okay. Some of the characters in Angels in America changed throughout the story, which made things all the more interesting. For instance, I first perceived Joe as this sweet, original, money making husband. I eventually realized that he was different than what I thought. He turned out to be a confused, gay, and sometimes weak person.

   Overall, I think Kushner did a wonderful job in writing this book. There were plenty of times where I found myself to not be able to put down the book. It was very creative, truthful, loving, sad, hopeful, tragic, and powerful. I know that Tony Kushner is an excellent writer just because he can smoothly combine all of those emotions into one story, and make it sound good. Angels in America is an excellent novel, and I would recommend it to anyone.

5 comments about VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor.

1. I really enjoyed Harlan Hogan's book VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice Actor. I read it early last year, and have gone back to it several times since for wisdom and tips in my own Voice Career!
   The format of the book made it an easy read. Chapters from Harlans life and experiences mixed with Tips and Tricks of the Trade.
   A book for any aspiring Voice Over Library!



2. Harlan Hogan provides a lot of explanation of how things work in the VO world (or at least as they did in 2002, when this book was written). He gives great advice while lightly touching on subjects like running your business, jargon, union vs. "pre-union", etc. However, he also offers some insight that beginning voice actors aren't likely to find in a lot of other books. Harlan does this by recounting stories from his own experience that not only entertain, but relate to the major points of each section. He also lets the reader in on inside jokes of the trade like "Blooper's Soap" and the infamous Findus Foods session with Orson Welles. Sure, they're easily Google-able, but how are they woven into the fabric of the industry?
   
   I've done radio for a dozen years, switched to the computer tech side
   for another half-dozen and now I'm studying and working on figuring out
   where I will best fit into the VO market. This book not only confirmed
   a lot of things I felt instinctively, but it also helped me to not
   listen so much to the "what if" voice that we all carry with us.



3. I really enjoyed this book, it is really informative, entertaining and gives and inside look at voice over acting. This is one of the few books that I will re-read becouse of all the usefull information, a must read for anyone starting out or considering a career as a voice actor.



4. This book is excellent. It's packed with information about what one should expect if he/she wants to work in the Voice Acting industry, and it also includes many tips & tricks that voice actors could follow in order to advance in their careers.
   
   It's hilariously entertaining yet down-to-earth informative - a rare combination achievable in books.
   
   On top of that, it's easy to read, so you don't see much of those long-worded-jargons-which-you-will-find-in-technical-books for instance. Instead, you get cute cartoons replacing the too-much-information type of thing.
   
   As I've mentioned in the title, I'd give this book 100 stars if I could.
   
   This book truly is one of the BEST purchases I've EVER made.
   
   
   
   ~ Jessie



5. If you're someone who's always felt they had the talent to do voiceover work, and had no idea where to start, you simply can't go wrong with Harlan Hogan's excellent book. Mr. Hogan's writing style is light and humorous, which makes the book a very unintimidating way to get acquainted with the world of voice acting.
   
   Mr. Hogan relates his path to a VO career with memoirs and humorous anecdotes (you can tell he really enjoys his work!), while providing separate "techniques" sections throughout, covering all the aspects of the voiceover profession from getting the work to doing the work to accounting for the work. Yes, even the section on bookkeeping and the IRS is fun to read, while providing critical information to prevent common mistakes.
   
   As an added bonus, you also get clued in to the VO profession's shorthand and lore. Do you know what "wild on the last line" means? Have you ever heard of Blooper's Soap, or know why you can crack up just about any professional VO simply by saying "IN July"? You will after reading Mr. Hogan's book!
   
   Whether you're a clueless wanna-be (like me, at this point), a newcomer or an established professional, Mr. Hogan's _VO: Tales and Techniques of a Voice-Over Actor_ is a must-read!
   
   Will Crowder

5 comments about In the Wings: Behind the Scenes at the New York City Ballet.

1. In The Wings is a wonderful book to own especially if you or the person you're buying the book for has had dance training. It's a wonderful look at everything you don't see before the performance. The morning warm up, ten-minute break, and exhausting rehearsals. My only gripe is that it's small! I was hoping this would be a coffee table book but it is in fact compact and very easy to take around.
   
   The pictures and commentary are fabulous and give an in depth look into the goings on of the NYCB.
   
   Highly recommended for the content and both black and white and color photographs. Only downer is the size, but that is easily looked past when you see what an amazing book this is.



2. This book is not another valentine to the New York City Ballet - it's far more authentic than that, and far more important. It's an often poignant look at what it's been like for this thoughtful, creatively gifted dancer to grow up in the company, with all the joys and disappointments that come with that surreal but privileged life.
   I've always thought of Kyle Froman as a beautiful dancer, but as it turns out he's also a gifted photographer and an elegant writer as well. His photographs and his words have a penetrating honesty, and the book succeeds so brilliantly because it rings so true.



3. I wish this book would have received more attention upon its release. It is a fabulous book of photographs and commentary from someone, a dancer, on the inside at New York City Ballet and is filled with images, wonderful images, that one would likely not otherwise see in any other ballet book. For the fan of NYCB it's a must have, but would be equally at home on the shelf of any ballet or photography fan. Mr. Froman has produced a keeper. Bravo!!!



4. Rarely do I write in about purchases I've made, but In The Wings deserves mention. I bought this book for my daughter, a twelve-year old aspiring dancer, but when it arrived in the mail, I found myself completely immersed in it.
   I don't consider myself a ballet buff. What I immediately identified with was the dancers' devotion to their art. I loved the fact that Froman didn't portray this world as sugary sweet. In page after page of gorgeous photography, he showed what it was like to devote yourself to something, what it takes from you, and what it gives back. Bravo, Kyle Froman



5. This book provides a great look behind-the-scenes at my favorite ballet company, New York City Ballet. Kyle's photos are super and his story of a day in the life of a dancer is revealing, funny and moving all at once.
   
   I wrote about the book at my blog, Oberon's Grove.

3 comments about Dramatists Sourcebook 24th Edition (Dramatists Sourcebook).

1. As a brand new playwright, I found this book extremely helpful. It contains listings for hundreds of theaters, contests, grants, and arts organizations, with a brief description of each. The handy index organizes the entries by specialty (musicals, adaptations, etc.), which only adds to the ease of using this book.
   
   In addition to the listings, there is a nice introduction which gives tips about submitting your script. I highly recommend reading that intro. before sending anything in the mail.
   
   As a first time user, I found this book to be a helpful resource, but lacking in a few aspects. It would be nice for them to write a little bit about literary agents. I also found some of the descriptions to be too vague or contradictory. However, I still recommend this book to anyone who doesn't want their scripts to be closet drama.



2. this is an essential resource for any playwright as it lists all the theaters and orgs that are interested in new work. it has complete information which allows the writer to research the theater by going to the web site to investigate the type of plays they perform. i dont know how writers would know where to submit plays if this book didnt exist.
   my only complaint is that this book took so long in getting published this year. i buy a new edition every year and the calendar for play submissions runs from sept thru aug. every month i would check to see if this book had been released and was unable to purchase it until january! which means i had missed deadlines for four months of contests -- one third of the book no longer valid. this book should be reduced 8% for every month the information becomes out dated. nevertheless, it is still a great resource as it has other information regarding grants, professional orgs -- and a writer should research potential theaters year-round, not only when they are conducting contests.



3. The Dramatist's Sourcebook is the most trusted guide and has been for working writers seeking publication, production, and theatre companies.
   
   As a dramatic writing student, all of my teachers, established writers, keep this book in their personal collection. E-mail addresses are accurate, mailing addresses never fail, and competitions are categorized in many ways.
   
   Wanna know a theatre specified for Asian/Children's/Experimental theatre? They have it organized alphabetically, indexed in the back of the book, and a full entry describing every theatre's mission and preferences for scripts.
   
   Plus Tony Kushner's introduction gives solid professional advice on how to read/use this guide.

4 comments about 24 Favorite One Act Plays.

1. Cannot find the Table of Contents for this book anywhere! Not here, not on the publisher's site. Just what plays would I find? And how long are they? One-act could be 5 minutes or an hour.
   
   I would order it if I knew what the heck was in it. I'm a HS drama teacher. Can someone use Amazon to send me the TOC?
   
   Thanks.



2. This wasn't what I expected. The choice of plays, with a few exceptions, was bland and poor.



3. I've had this book thrust upon me as a student over the past 7 years in middle and high school from Drama, English and Language teachers. It is a really good book- the plays vary from being abstract and bizarre to being thoughtful and introspective. If you're a student looking for a good quick play, a teacher looking for something to get your students to do, if you're just looking for some quick quirky one act plays- this is it.

   Totally worth it!




4. The book was very cool. In fact it was so kooky that I could not put it down. I was able to use it in all of my eighth grade classess. I am a language arts teacher at Turlock Junior High, and it was extremly easy to find a 'cool' play that related to what we were learning at the time. I have been using this book for about 10 years now, and I have never grown old of it. My class this year has recently used it to put on a few short plays for the rest of the school.