This is a book for dramaturgs of new work; but it is also a particularly effective book for anyone working on new plays: playwrights; directors; producers; even actors. Lenora skillfully dissects the process of workshopping new writing; and clearly defines the roles for all involved. I learned not only how to make a new play workshop more effective; but how to approach my writing and my directing; and how to meaningfully collaborate with others in this unique process. This is a necessary handbook for anyone working on new plays today. --Anne Marie Cammarato; Director
#1436557 in eBooks 2015-10-19 2015-10-19File Name: B01B0MOT0I
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not a great instructional book.By N A ValerianThis book is so deeply flawed; on so many levels. Looking to explore unfamiliar territory in my art; I discovered "chart-topping"; "best-selling" books that seem to have decent reviews. However; as an instructional book; the instruction is incredibly weak. There are no clearly defined standards; and the "steps" are snapshots of phases of the process. The text never emphasizes the reason or motivation for a choice; almost everything is just an example. There is no defined technique; and little objective standard for consistency. Its almost backwards in context; like trying to explain how something has been done; instead of how to do it.The book describes Shoujo as a widely read genre; but research indicates its actually a marketing demographic; and the genres available to that demographic vary widely. The book seems to represents techniques for drawing in a Shoujo "style"; but the styles represented wont exclusively apply to manga in the Shoujo demographic; and some Shoujo manga may feature other stylistic choices. I can draw a variety of characters as represented in the book (which could be taken to mean; "often poorly"); but I have no confidence that I can draw in a Shoujo art style; or that a Shoujo art style means anything explicit at all.There are so many generalizations and stereotypes; the book is borderline offensive at times. In spite of that; the art itself is more frustrating. Occasionally; theres a demonstration of skill and quality; but much of it is very poor quality. I start to ask myself how an artist can be so inconsistent; and still feel confident enough that they have the experience or qualification to instruct others. Then I discover the list of contributing artists. Thats frustrating because the book gives no indication as to what artist created what work. It does call into question the role of the giant name plastered across the front. The author. An author with no experience publishing manga; instructing in manga; with other artists manga art.With such a poor experience; I call into question the reviews. "Gift for my niece." "Gift for my daughter." "Gift for my granddaughter." "Gift for my husband." "Birthday Gift." "Skimmed through it." As an artist with an interest in manga; who personally invested in the book; I probably have a different perspective. Its my opinion this would be a poor gift; and Id have benefited far more by purchasing actual Manga books and making my own observations. Id also benefit from a closer look at the reviews in the future. Lesson learned.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good!By CustomerI like this book. For first; it has beautiful pictures. Christopher Hart is one of my favorite authors; along with Mark Crilley. Shoujo is my favorite style of manga; and this really helped me. Not only for my drawing skill; too.At my school; my art teacher was talking about Japanese styles of drawing; and she gave us a assignment to write a comic that uses a Japanese style. You didnt have to draw though. So I got this book and it totally helped! I got a A!So if you want to learn how to draw manga and your a beginner; or your looking for ideas as a advanced or expert drawing; this book is for you!Thank you for reading my review!34 of 36 people found the following review helpful. Great book for Manga beginners; but not for DRAWING beginners.By Cameron E.This book is a great book for Manga and Shoujo beginners. It gives you some great examples and each image has a little note next to it with something useful. Like maybe a drawing of a girl with very long flowing hair and next to it it will have in small writing; make sure all your hair flows in one direction and comes from the same direction to make it look natural. HOWEVER; this book is going to assume you are already a decent artist. And just want to take up Manga. Its step by step process assumes you already know how to draw Manga hair and just need some examples. So if you are completely new to drawing; Betty Edwards might be a better idea first; then come back. Because this is my favorite book PURELY on how to draw Manga. Also; Christopher Hart is an amazing artist. I love his examples in the book.
