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Theatre as Human Action: An Introduction to Theatre Arts
Most introductory theatre textbooks are written for theatre majors and assume the student already has a considerable amount of knowledge on the subject. However, such textbooks may be counterproductive, because they reference several works that may be unfamiliar to students with limited exposure to theatre. Theatre as Human Action: An Introduction to Theatre Arts, Second Edition is designed for the college student who may be unacquainted with many plays and has seen a limited number of theatre productions. Focusing primarily on four plays, this textbook aims to inform the student about theatre arts, stimulate interest in the art form, lead to critical thinking about theatre, and prepare the student to be a more informed and critical theatregoer.
In addition to looking at both the theoretical and practical aspects of theatre arts—from the nature of theatre and drama to how it reflects society—the author also explains the processes that playwrights, actors, designers, directors, producers, and critics go through. The four plays central to this book are the tragedy Macbeth, the landmark African American drama A Raisin in the Sun, the contemporary rock musical Rent, and—new to this edition—the American comedy classic You Can’t Take It with You. At the beginning of the text, each play is described with plot synopses (and suggested video versions), and then these four representative works are referred to throughout the book.
This second edition also features revised chapters throughout, including expanded and updated material on the technical aspects of theatre, the role of the audience and critic,and the diversity of theatre today. Structured into nine chapters, each looking at a major area or artist—and concluding with the audience and the students themselves—the unique approach of Theatre as Human Action thoroughly addresses all of the major topics to be found in an introduction to theatre text.
In addition to looking at both the theoretical and practical aspects of theatre arts—from the nature of theatre and drama to how it reflects society—the author also explains the processes that playwrights, actors, designers, directors, producers, and critics go through. The four plays central to this book are the tragedy Macbeth, the landmark African American drama A Raisin in the Sun, the contemporary rock musical Rent, and—new to this edition—the American comedy classic You Can’t Take It with You. At the beginning of the text, each play is described with plot synopses (and suggested video versions), and then these four representative works are referred to throughout the book.
This second edition also features revised chapters throughout, including expanded and updated material on the technical aspects of theatre, the role of the audience and critic,and the diversity of theatre today. Structured into nine chapters, each looking at a major area or artist—and concluding with the audience and the students themselves—the unique approach of Theatre as Human Action thoroughly addresses all of the major topics to be found in an introduction to theatre text.
- GenresTextbooksNonfiction
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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January 1, 2021Read for DRAMA 101: Intro to Theatrical Arts
March 19, 2015
I had to read this for my Intro to Theatre general credit class. Let me tell you, this book is a painful read. I learned more (and am still learning more) from acting on stage or doing various parts of theatre hands-on rather than reading this book. It's painful. From what my professor says, half the information in this book is inaccurate. Now maybe that's just his opinion or truth. Pretty sure I've found a few typos in this book, so I'm erring on the side of what I feel is right and going with my professor on this one.
It's not that this book is utter garbage. It really should have been maybe, at most, fifty pages long. It would have hit the NECESSARY points in that many or under.
BUT it went on forever and ever. There was no end to this book. It made me want to tear my hair out.
Conclusion
This gets a 2/5. It' being generous. I read every chapter of this book and barely retained a single bit of information. I don't recommend this; it's a boring read and not something I could see benefiting future theatre majors or those like myself who are taking the class to fill college requirements.
It's not that this book is utter garbage. It really should have been maybe, at most, fifty pages long. It would have hit the NECESSARY points in that many or under.
BUT it went on forever and ever. There was no end to this book. It made me want to tear my hair out.
Conclusion
This gets a 2/5. It' being generous. I read every chapter of this book and barely retained a single bit of information. I don't recommend this; it's a boring read and not something I could see benefiting future theatre majors or those like myself who are taking the class to fill college requirements.
February 3, 2020
It is what it says it is. Not too technical, and a good introductory explanation of theatre to the uninitiated.
March 10, 2016
It was not the most entertaining of books, but it's a textbook. There were a few interesting things.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews