Böcker utgivna av Nick Hern Books

A guide to the hidden workings of plays and the trade secrets that govern their writing - by the acclaimed playwright Steve Waters. Drawing on a wide range of drama, both historical and modern, Waters takes the reader through the key elements of dramatic writing - scenes, acts, space, time, characters, language and images - to show how a play is more than the sum of its parts, with as much inner vitality as a living organism. Almost uniquely amongst accounts of playwriting, Waters' book looks at the ways in which good plays move their audiences, generating powerful emotional responses that often defy conventional analysis. The Secret Life of Plays is for playwrights at any stage of their career, and will inspire and inform drama students as well as working actors and directors. Most of all it is for anyone who has ever laughed or cried in the theatre - and wants to know why. 'Thrilling... crammed with good, old-fashioned close reading of a diverse range of plays, which means that although Waters does primarily address those who write for the theatre, he does not forget those who like watching and reading it' TLS 'Essential for aspiring playwrights' Whatsonstage.com

Drawing on the author's own experiences as a producer of theatre productions at different levels, this title takes the producers through the various stages of the process: the development of an idea, raising the money and budgeting, negotiating rights, hiring a director and production team, marketing the show, rehearsals and on to opening night.

Covers the history, theory and - above all - practice of lighting design. This work contains 450 black and white half tones, 60 colour photos and diagrams and lighting plots. It is arranged in four sections: Design; History; Life; and Mechanics.

The fourth volume of the collected plays of one of the best playwrights alive.

Offers exercises for professional and student actors, teachers of acting and voice, and those interested in vocal expression. This title places emphasis on the removal of the physical and psychological blocks that inhibit the human voice; and is dedicated to 'freeing' the voice we were naturally born with.

A top-ranking director sets out his rehearsal techniques in this invaluable handbook for actors and directors. Different Every Night is the culmination of a lifetime of work in the theatre, the most complete rehearsal methodology in print since Stanislavsky. It offers a vital masterclass for actors and directors, full of sound practical advice and guidance, and is packed with techniques for bringing the text to life and keeping it alive - both in rehearsal and performance. 'Most of what I am as an actress I owe to Mike Alfreds. He gave me the language and the tools I needed for my craft' Pam Ferris, from her Foreword 'If I was allowed to train again to be an actor, but I was only allowed one teacher, it would have to be Mike Alfreds. To me he is a genius when it comes to acting and storytelling' Mark Rylance 'an illuminating and inspiring book... based in rich experience and acute observation of actors at work (and play)... essential reading for actors and directors' Rogues & Vagabonds

Actors need actions. They cannot "act" adjectives, they need verbs; they need an aim to achieve, an action to perform. This is a thesaurus of active verbs with which the actor can refine the action-word until she or her hits exactly the right one to help make the action come alive.

The tale of a man and a woman who have entered purgatory - a soul-less white room. Each is interrogated in turn by the other. Each has to reach a state of forgiveness and contrition before they can leave purgatory and move on.

A Complete Voice Training Manual For Actors A simple, step-by-step manual, written by an RSC voice coach, which offers everything that an actor needs to work on their voice. Suitable for actors at all levels, from students and young professionals to established and experienced actors. Drama teachers in schools and committed amateur actors who want to increase their vocal skills and understanding will also find it invaluable. Includes sections on: Preparation Body Work Breathing and Support Breathing Into Sound: Supporting the Voice Releasing the Sound Filling out the Sound: Resonance Extending the Sound: Range Shaping the Sound: Articulation Trouble-Shooting. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction, then clearly and succinctly sets out a sequence of relevant exercises - accompanied by simple diagrams - ending with a summary of what we have learned. 'Brilliantly guides the actor using exercises and tools that can revolutionise the voice. It's a boon!' Joseph Fiennes 'Barbara's work is simple and practical, encouraging each actor to be free and fluid with their own voice... Very inspiring' Emily Watson 'Barbara has a great understanding of the way that actors' anxieties can affect their voice. Her tone is calm, reassuring and good humoured' Niamh Cusack

A play exploring what it means to be true to yourself in the face of unstoppable change, from the writer of Standing at the Sky's Edge. Premiered at the Almeida Theatre, London, in 2025.