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100 Acting Exercises for 8 - 18 Year Olds
This book offers a comprehensive guide to teaching acting exercises that will unleash the inner creativity of students aged 8-18.
Theories and techniques of some of the greatest theatre practitioners including Sanford Meisner, Constantin Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg and Uta Hagen provide a basis for Samantha Marsden's original exercises for students between these ages. You won't find Duck, Duck, Goose, Zap, Zap, Boing – or any other traditional drama games in this book: instead, the craft of acting technique takes the limelight.
These exercises have been tried and tested in the author's own classroom, and are guaranteed to inspire, ignite imagination and encourage heartfelt performances. Focus points used in leading drama schools such as voice, movement, relaxation, character development and understanding text are recreated for a younger student. They are easy to follow and will be fun, challenging and immensely rewarding for teachers and students alike.
The book features a foreword by Paul Roseby, CEO and Artistic Director of the National Youth Theatre.
Theories and techniques of some of the greatest theatre practitioners including Sanford Meisner, Constantin Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg and Uta Hagen provide a basis for Samantha Marsden's original exercises for students between these ages. You won't find Duck, Duck, Goose, Zap, Zap, Boing – or any other traditional drama games in this book: instead, the craft of acting technique takes the limelight.
These exercises have been tried and tested in the author's own classroom, and are guaranteed to inspire, ignite imagination and encourage heartfelt performances. Focus points used in leading drama schools such as voice, movement, relaxation, character development and understanding text are recreated for a younger student. They are easy to follow and will be fun, challenging and immensely rewarding for teachers and students alike.
The book features a foreword by Paul Roseby, CEO and Artistic Director of the National Youth Theatre.
184 pages, Paperback
Published February 21, 2019
13 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Marsden
7 books14 followersAlso kow as Sam Marsden
Sam's work hopes to empower and spark people's creativity, whether through her drama teaching, teaching resources, or fiction.
Sam writes for The Stage newspaper, Spotlight, and Teach Primary. She is the author of 100 Acting Exercises for 8-18 Year Olds (Bloomsbury Academic/Methuen Drama). In 2024 she will be releasing Acting Games for Improv. Drama Games for Early Years (4 - 7 Years), and Acting Exercises for Creative Writing (Morpho Press).
Her first novel Under Glass went viral on Wattpad. Shortly after it was optioned for film and TV by former Warner Bros. President of Film Greg Silverman at Stampede Ventures.
She is currently working on Medusa the Musical with Ricky Allen (Treason). And on a new YA novel titled Out of Chaos. This novel is a #metoo story set in a Greek mythology inspired, AI-driven theme park called Olympia World. Both the musical, and novel, involve a Medusa retelling, because survivors are not monsters!
Sam went to The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. And then went on to study for a BA/BS degree in International Development Studies and Sociology where she was awarded a first-class honours degree and the David Weeks memorial prize.
She taught drama full-time for eleven years in many different settings, and now teaches a little alongside her writing.
Sam's dyslexic, from the UK, lives in South-West France, and loves musicals, yoga, reading, and macarons.
Sam's work hopes to empower and spark people's creativity, whether through her drama teaching, teaching resources, or fiction.
Sam writes for The Stage newspaper, Spotlight, and Teach Primary. She is the author of 100 Acting Exercises for 8-18 Year Olds (Bloomsbury Academic/Methuen Drama). In 2024 she will be releasing Acting Games for Improv. Drama Games for Early Years (4 - 7 Years), and Acting Exercises for Creative Writing (Morpho Press).
Her first novel Under Glass went viral on Wattpad. Shortly after it was optioned for film and TV by former Warner Bros. President of Film Greg Silverman at Stampede Ventures.
She is currently working on Medusa the Musical with Ricky Allen (Treason). And on a new YA novel titled Out of Chaos. This novel is a #metoo story set in a Greek mythology inspired, AI-driven theme park called Olympia World. Both the musical, and novel, involve a Medusa retelling, because survivors are not monsters!
Sam went to The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. And then went on to study for a BA/BS degree in International Development Studies and Sociology where she was awarded a first-class honours degree and the David Weeks memorial prize.
She taught drama full-time for eleven years in many different settings, and now teaches a little alongside her writing.
Sam's dyslexic, from the UK, lives in South-West France, and loves musicals, yoga, reading, and macarons.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 4, 2021
Great book for teachers thank you
November 26, 2020
This is THE best resource book for Drama teachers that I have ever come across. So many brilliant ideas that are practical and highly engaging. So glad I discovered this little gem - really could not recommend it highly enough. If Marsden publishes any more books of this ilk I’ll be first in line to snap them up!
February 14, 2019
Well-written, easy to navigate and packed with ideas for acting classes. The author's own experience of teaching drama is evident with hints and tips on how to avoid potential pitfalls and how to intervene to get the best from students. This is an immensely useful text with ideas that have potential beyond the scope of drama classes and could equally be used as ice-breakers in group facilitation or team building work. For authors the exercises that relate to character development are invaluable.
Note: I received a copy of the book from the author for review consideration
Note: I received a copy of the book from the author for review consideration
February 16, 2019
Full of fantastic exercises, and covers all aspects of classes/workshops! As an aspiring teacher it has really opened my eyes and given me so many new ideas! Definitely worth reading!
February 28, 2019
A great mix of acting exercises that can be used by an individual or groups in a learning environment. Informative and easy to follow. A great resource for both students and teachers.
January 7, 2024
Um livro incrível 🤩 uso de mais nas minhas aulas e nos meus estudos de drama e escrita criativa!
O jeito que a Sam escreve faz com que a gente entenda tudo !
O jeito que a Sam escreve faz com que a gente entenda tudo !
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews