The Art of the Playwright: Creating the Magic of Theatre

By William Packard

Book Overview

Two fully expanded and updated resource guides for writers at all levels of experience Writing for the stage and screen presents artistic challenges to aspiring dramatics everywhere. Through practical, proven methods, playwright and poet William Packard leads readers past personal and professional obstacles to discover dramatic success. Whether advising readers on the best use of action and on-stage visuals or providing guidelines in effective development of character, dialogue, and plot, The Art of the Playwright offers an insightful and comprehensive introduction to the craft of writing plays. In addition, writers will find an extensive and invaluable listing of theaters, funding sources, writers' colonies, contests, and magazines that publish plays. The book also traces playwriting through the centuries, devoting special attention to the Greek tragedians and the comedies, tragedies, and histories of Shakespeare.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0913729620
• ISBN13: 9780913729625
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Paragon House Publishers
• Length: 198 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Great great book on playwriting.

Gave me the rundown on what playwriting involves. Great for the beginner and also as a reference to go back to. In a nutshell he emphasizes the three major elements over and over in different forms: Actions, Visuals, and Stakes. Emphasis on the technical and the bottom-line of a play: it must hold an audience's attention on stage. How to do that? That's what the book is about. He also gives us an overview into the history of theater and the different schools of playwriting.Clear and entertaining read. Great great book.

Excellent

William Packard conveys the essence of the art of playwriting needed to empower the imaginations of playwrights. He brilliantly teaches the central role of visuals and actions. His book is a precious source of enlightenment in a world of teachers who do more harm than good.