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How do master storytellers compel us? There have been many attempts to understand what makes a good story, but few have used a scientific approach. In The Science of Storytelling, Will Storr applies dazzling psychological research and cutting-edge neuroscience to our myths and archetypes to show how we can tell better stories, revealing, among other things, how storytellers - and also our brains - create worlds by being attuned to moments of unexpected change.Storr’s superbly chosen examples range from Harry Potter to Jane Austen to Alice Walker, Greek drama to Russian novels to Native American folk tales, King Lear to Breaking Bad to children’s stories. With chapters such as "The Dramatic Question" and "Plot, Endings, and Meaning" and a practical, step-by-step appendix dedicated to "The Sacred Flaw Approach", The Science of Storytelling is destined to become an invaluable resource for writers of all stripes, whether novelist, screenwriter, playwright, or writer of creative or traditional nonfiction. Read more

The long-awaited third volume of Robert McKee’s trilogy on the art of fiction. Following up his perennially best-selling writers' guide Story and his inspiring exploration of the art of verbal action in Dialogue, the most sought-after expert in the storytelling brings his insights to the creation of compelling characters and the design of their casts. Character explores the design of a character universe: The dimensionality, complexity and arcing of a protagonist, the invention of orbiting major characters, all encircled by a cast of service and supporting roles. Read more

In this completely updated edition of her bestselling book, renowned acting coach Ivana Chubbuck shares her cutting-edge technique that has launched some of the most successful and lauded acting careers in HollywoodLet the instructor who taught Halle Berry, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Jim Carrey, Aubrey Plaza, Travis Fimmel, Gal Gadot, Beyoncé Knowles, Judith Light, Sylvester Stallone, Eva Mendes, Morris Chestnut, Shia LaBeouf, and Jake Gyllenhaal guide you to dynamic and effective results. With new stories from notable stars she’s worked with since the first edition of The Power of the Actor and fresh exercises she’s incorporated to upgrade her time-tested 12 step program, this revised edition is a must-have for anyone looking to hone their craft.The Chubbuck Technique takes the theories of acting masters such as Stanislavski, Strasberg, and Hagen to the next level by utilizing inner pain and emotions, not as an end in itself, but as a way to empower and fuel one’s ability to overcome and win and therefore drive a unique and powerful performance. The Power of the Actor is filled with fascinating and inspiring behind-the-scenes accounts of how actors, writers, and directors have mastered their craft and accomplished success in such a difficult and competitive field.*This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of scripts, emotional diary examples, and the Practical Application section from the bookPLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

In this New York Times best-selling follow-up to her critically acclaimed memoir, Home, Julie Andrews reflects on her astonishing career, including such classics as Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, and Victor/Victoria. In Home, the number-one New York Times international best seller, Julie Andrews recounted her difficult childhood and her emergence as an acclaimed singer and performer on the stage. With this second memoir, Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years, Andrews picks up the story with her arrival in Hollywood and her phenomenal rise to fame in her earliest films - Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. Andrews describes her years in the film industry - from the incredible highs to the challenging lows. Not only does she discuss her work in now-classic films and her collaborations with giants of cinema and television, she also unveils her personal story of adjusting to a new and often daunting world, dealing with the demands of unimaginable success, being a new mother, the end of her first marriage, embracing two stepchildren, adopting two more children, and falling in love with the brilliant and mercurial Blake Edwards. The pair worked together in numerous films, including Victor/Victoria, the gender-bending comedy that garnered multiple Oscar nominations. Cowritten with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, and told with Andrews's trademark charm and candor, Home Work takes us on a rare and intimate journey into an extraordinary life that is funny, heartrending, and inspiring. Read more

A backstage pass to the groundbreaking, hit musical Hamilton, winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Eleven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, including the award-winning libretto, behind-the-scenes photos and interviews, and exclusive footnotes from composer-lyricist-star Lin-Manuel Miranda, now streaming on Disney+ with the original cast. Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical Hamilton is as revolutionary as its subject, the poor kid from the Caribbean who fought the British, defended the Constitution, and helped to found the United States. Fusing hip-hop, pop, R&B, and the best traditions of theater, this once-in-a-generation show broadens the sound of Broadway, reveals the storytelling power of rap, and claims our country's origins for a diverse new generation.Hamilton: The Revolution gives readers an unprecedented view of both revolutions, from the only two writers able to provide it. Miranda, along with Jeremy McCarter, a cultural critic and theater artist who was involved in the project from its earliest stages -- "since before this was even a show," according to Miranda -- traces its development from an improbable performance at the White House to its landmark opening night on Broadway six years later. In addition, Miranda has written more than 200 funny, revealing footnotes for his award-winning libretto, the full text of which is published here. Their account features photos by the renowned Frank Ockenfels and veteran Broadway photographer, Joan Marcus; exclusive looks at notebooks and emails; interviews with Questlove, Stephen Sondheim, leading political commentators, and more than 50 people involved with the production; and multiple appearances by President Obama himself. The book does more than tell the surprising story of how a Broadway musical became a national phenomenon: It demonstrates that America has always been renewed by the brash upstarts and brilliant outsiders, the men and women who don't throw away their shot. Read more

Part of the Penguin Orange Collection, a limited-run series of twelve influential and beloved American classics in a bold series design offering a modern take on the iconic Penguin paperbackWinner of the 2016 AIGA + Design Observer 50 Books | 50 Covers competition   For the seventieth anniversary of Penguin Classics, the Penguin Orange Collection celebrates the heritage of Penguin’s iconic book design with twelve influential American literary classics representing the breadth and diversity of the Penguin Classics library. These collectible editions are dressed in the iconic orange and white tri-band cover design, first created in 1935, while french flaps, high-quality paper, and striking cover illustrations provide the cutting-edge design treatment that is the signature of Penguin Classics Deluxe Editions today.The Crucible   One of the true masterpieces of twentieth-century American theater, The Crucible brilliantly explores the threshold between individual guilt and mass hysteria, personal spite and collective evil. It is a play that is not only relentlessly suspenseful and vastly moving, but that compels readers to fathom their hearts and consciences in ways that only the greatest theatre can. Read more

Stella Adler was one of the 20th Century's greatest figures. She is arguably the most important teacher of acting in American history. Over her long career, both in New York and Hollywood, she offered her vast acting knowledge to generations of actors, including Marlon Brando, Warren Beatty, and Robert De Niro. The great voice finally ended in the early 1990s. But, her decades of experience and teaching have been brilliantly captured and encapsulated by Howard Kissel, in the 22 lessons you'll hear in this audiobook.This brand-new audio edition of The Art of Acting is vibrantly narrated by Bonnie Agan.This audiobook was produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont. Read more

Sanford Meisner was one of the best known and beloved teachers of acting in the country. This book follows one of his acting classes for fifteen months, beginning with the most rudimentary exercises and ending with affecting and polished scenes from contemporary American plays. Written in collaboration with Dennis Longwell, it is essential reading for beginning and professional actors alike. Throughout these pages Meisner is a delight—always empathizing with his students and urging them onward, provoking emotion, laughter, and growing technical mastery from his charges. With an introduction by Sydney Pollack, director of Out of Africa and Tootsie, who worked with Meisner for five years."This book should be read by anyone who wants to act or even appreciate what acting involves. Like Meisner's way of teaching, it is the straight goods."—Arthur Miller"If there is a key to good acting, this one is it, above all others. Actors, young and not so young, will find inspiration and excitement in this book."—Gregory Peck Read more

Impro is the most dynamic, funny, wise, practical, and provocative book on theatre craft that I have ever read. (James Roose-Evans, British theatre director, priest, and writer)Keith Johnstone's involvement with the theatre began when George Devine and Tony Richardson, artistic directors of the Royal Court Theatre, commissioned a play from him. This was in 1956. A few years later, he was associate artistic director, working as a playreader and director, in particular helping to run the writers' group. The improvisatory techniques and exercises that evolved there, fostering spontaneity and narrative skills, were developed further in the actors' studio and, then, in demonstrations to schools and colleges. This ultimately resulted in the founding of a company of performers called The Theatre Machine.Divided into four sections—Status, Spontaneity, Narrative Skills, and Masks and Trance—and arranged more or less in the order a group might approach them, the audiobook sets out the specific techniques and exercises which Johnstone has himself found most useful and most stimulating. The result is both an audiobook of ideas and a fascinating exploration of the nature of spontaneous creativity. This audio edition of Impro is skillfully narrated by William Reay and includes as a second appendix a previously unpublished essay The Full Mask, which Johnstone wrote 50 years after the original publication of the book.Produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont. Read more

Discover Lewis Carroll’s beautiful original edition, featuring over 40 high-quality illustrations and a fun quiz about Alice and her unforgettable adventures.Originally published in 1865 as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland the beloved Victorian classic novel has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages for generations. In this enchanting book, the curious and adventurous Alice falls down a rabbit hole and discovers a whimsical and surreal world filled with talking animals, bizarre creatures, and fantastical landscapes.With its clever wordplay, vivid imagery, and playful storytelling, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland remains timeless classics that continue to inspire and delight readers of all ages. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves original storytelling, endless adventures, and the power of imagination.This beautiful edition includes:40+ original, first-edition, high-quality illustrations by the legendary artist John Tenniel.A fun quiz about the story of Alice and the main characters to complete at the end of the book.A beautifully designed cover to adorn your collection.Easy-to-read typesetting for the perfect reading experience for both children and adults.Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, one of the best classic novels for young boys and girls of all time, will be the perfect gift for young book lovers and an unmissable part of your collection! Read more

Now a major motion picture, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and directed by Jon M. Chu, who helmed Crazy Rich Asians.  Wicked is not just a musical, it is a phenomenon. Every week, 15,000 people pack New York's Gershwin Theatre to see the show. Wicked is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. It tells the story of Elphaba, the headstrong Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the good witch, growing up in the Land of Oz. This beautifully packaged, whimsical keepsake is designed to resemble the Grimmerie, an ancient book of spells that Elphaba uses in the show. Wicked: The Grimmerie offers fans a behind-the-curtains peek at the musical, profiles of the cast and creative team, and inside stories, with full-color photographs throughout. Some of the irresistible special features include an "Ozian" glossary, spells, an illustrated family tree, and a step-by-step look at how Elphaba gets green before each show--everything fans need to relive the Broadway experience day after day. Read more

This has proven to be the most significant book ever written on stand-up comedy. Although it was aimed at established comedians, ‘Finding Your Comic Genius’ has profoundly impacted performers of all abilities. 17 of the 32 chapters are dedicated to helping you to write material using several groundbreaking, practical and effective methods. The chapters on persona, status and finding your style of comedy have successfully fast-tracked comedians from all over the world to the next level, regardless of their experience. In short, this is an advanced book that will permanently change the way you look at writing and performing stand-up."Bloom not only has meticulous, brilliant lines, but also an intense and fragile honesty"Ricky Gervais"This is the only book you will ever need on stand-up comedy”Jim Jefferies Read more

Harness your passion and nail your next audition with this “immensely useful” (Variety) playbook from the legendary casting director for Chicago, The Sound of Music, Gypsy, and Jesus Christ Superstar—featuring an introduction from Bob Fosse“A bible for aspiring actors.”—The New York TimesWhen Barbra Streisand, Robert Redford, Ben Vereen, Lily Tomlin, Bette Midler, and Dustin Hoffman got their first breaks, Michael Shurtleff was there. In Audition, the renowned casting director shares twelve vital guideposts for how to succeed in any audition and offers advice on:• style• pacing• distractions• risks• seduction• drama• musical theater• comedy• self-rescue• eye contact• and more!Audition is a seminal guide to finding victory in all the auditions we face in life. Read more

A coming-of-age tale from one of the most successful American producers of our time, Jeffrey Seller, who is the only producer to have mounted two Pulitzer Prize–winning musicals—Hamilton and Rent.Before he was producing the musical hits of our generation, Jeffrey was just a kid coming to terms with his adoption, trying to understand his sexuality, and determined to escape his dysfunctional household in a poor neighborhood just outside Detroit. We see him find his voice through musical theater and move to New York, where he is determined to shed his past and make a name for himself on Broadway. But moving to the big city is never easy—especially not at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis—and Jeffrey learns to survive and thrive in the colorful and cutthroat world of commercial theatre. From his early days as an office assistant, to meeting Jonathan Larson and experiencing the triumph and tragedy of Rent, to working with Lin-Manuel Miranda on In the Heights and Hamilton, Jeffrey completely pulls back the curtain on the joyous and gut-wrenching process of making new musicals, finding new audiences, and winning a Tony Award—all the while finding himself. Told with Jeffrey’s candid and captivating voice, Theater Kid is a gripping memoir about fighting through a hardscrabble childhood to make art on one’s own terms, chasing a dream against many odds, and finding acceptance and community. Read more

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💎🔥 Want to become a Hero ? 💎🔥You've found the right book!🌌 To make your space more beautiful and attractive, you can display this book as a photograph in your room, on your bookshelf or anywhere you want because the cover of this book is glossy and designed impressively. This is also a unique way to show your big love . Let's Travel in this world, drawing and Coloring every Character🌌 The magic of colors will pull you into an amazing world - where you can unwind, relieve stress, have more fun with yourself and unleash your artistic potential. You will have a lot of fun with coloring & Drawing your favorite characters from your favorite seriesBook details:✅ Suitable for Kid, Teens And Adults and those who want to improve their drawing skills✅ Unique and Top-quality drawings.✅ Suitable for all skill levels (beginners, kids, and adults)✅ A Perfect gift for kids, adults, and all Fans.✅ Perfectly sized 8.5 x 11 Inches; 21.59 x 27.94 Read more

Collaborating with actors is, for many filmmakers, the last frontier―the scariest part and the part they long for―the human part, the place where connection happens. Directing Actors: 25th Anniversary Edition covers the challenges of the actor-director relationship―the pitfalls of “result direction”; breaking down a script; how to prepare for casting sessions; when, how and whether to rehearse―but with updated references, expanded ideas, more detailed chapters on rehearsal and script analysis (using a scene from The Matrix)―and a whole new chapter on directing children. For twenty-five years the industry standard for instilling confidence in filmmakers, Directing Actors perseveres in its mission―to bring directors, actors and writers deeper into the exhilarating task of creating characters the world will not forget. Read more

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERA behind-the-scenes look at the making of the iconic musical Sunday in the Park with GeorgePutting It Together chronicles the two-year odyssey of creating the iconic Broadway musical Sunday in the Park with George. In 1982, James Lapine, at the beginning of his career as a playwright and director, met Stephen Sondheim, nineteen years his senior and already a legendary Broadway composer and lyricist. Shortly thereafter, the two decided to write a musical inspired by Georges Seurat’s nineteenth-century painting A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte. Through conversations between Lapine and Sondheim, as well as most of the production team, and with a treasure trove of personal photographs, sketches, script notes, and sheet music, the two Broadway icons lift the curtain on their beloved musical. Putting It Together is a deeply personal remembrance of their collaboration and friend - ship and the highs and lows of that journey, one that resulted in the beloved Pulitzer Prize–winning classic. Read more

“[Our Town] leaves us with a sense of blessing, and the unspoken but palpable command to achieve gratitude in what remains of our days on earth.” — The New YorkerThornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama of life in the mythical village of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire—an allegorical representation of all life—is an American classic. It is the simple story of a love affair that asks timeless questions about the meaning of love, life, and death.Our Town explores the relationship between two young neighbors, George Gibbs and Emily Webb, whose childhood friendship blossoms into romance, and then culminates in marriage. When Emily loses her life during childbirth, the circle of life portrayed in each of the three acts—childhood, adulthood, and death—is fully realized.Widely considered one of the greatest American plays of all time, Our Town debuted on Broadway in 1938 and continues to be performed daily on stages around the world. This special edition includes an afterword by Wilder's nephew, Tappan Wilder, with illuminating documentary material about the playwright and his most famous drama. Read more