Scriptwork : a director's approach to new play development /

This unique book demystifies the developmental process by which directors and workshops aid playwrights in the evolution of scripts. Since various forms of this process have come to be widely used, it is good to have such a sensible approach to what is inevitably an idiosyncratic process that depends on the nature of the script being developed. Rigid procedures that can cripple the developmental process are considered. Kahn (San Jose State Univ.) and Breed (California State Univ.--Chico) present the process in theoretical terms in the first half of the book; in the second half, leading American playwrights and and directors discuss their experiences working together. Both sections demonstrate that the playwright's vision must be the focus of the work, and that this vision can be carried forward when the collaboration is done well. In acting, directing, and playwrighting no one formula covers all situations, and the authors' open-ended approach should prove useful to all students of theater. With its good footnotes and list of recommended readings, this book is recommended wherever playwrighting and directing are taught. All levels. R. Sugarman emeritus, Southern Vermont College