Curtain Up!: How to Stage Great Youth Productions

Curtain Up! is a comprehensive guide to making theatre, perfect for any school, college, youth group, or amateur-theatre company. It provides invaluable advice and practical tips on every aspect of putting on a show, including direction, vocal direction, choreography, production design, puppets and props, scriptwriting, lighting design, and publicity. Each section is written by an experienced theatre professional, offering creative, practical ideas to breathe new life into theatre projects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2024
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Curtain Up! is a comprehensive and hands-on guide to making theatre, perfect for any school, college, youth group, or amateur theatre company. It provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to take your productions to the next level. The book is packed with invaluable advice and practical tips on every aspect of putting on a show, including direction, vocal direction, choreography, production design, puppets and props, scriptwriting, lighting design, and publicity.

Direction:

Curtain Up! offers comprehensive guidance on every aspect of directing a theatre production, from choosing your project to casting, rehearsals, and opening night. It covers topics such as selecting the right script, working with actors, and creating a cohesive vision for your production. The book includes step-by-step advice on casting, rehearsing, and directing actors, as well as tips on how to communicate effectively with your team.

Vocal Direction:

Vocal direction is an essential aspect of any theatre production, and Curtain Up! provides detailed advice on how to give your singers and actors the confidence to deliver great performances. It covers topics such as vocal technique, vocal warm-ups, and working with different vocal ranges and styles. The book also includes exercises and techniques to help actors develop their vocal skills and improve their performance.

Choreography:

Choreography is an important element of any theatre production, and Curtain Up! offers step-by-step advice on bringing your choreography to life. It covers topics such as choosing the right music, creating movement sequences, and working with actors to create dynamic and engaging performances. The book also includes exercises and techniques to help choreographers develop their skills and create their own unique style.

Production Design:

Production design is an essential aspect of any theatre production, and Curtain Up! provides detailed advice on how to use set, costumes, and other props to realise your vision innovatively and within budget. It covers topics such as set design, lighting design, and costume design, and includes tips on how to create a cohesive and immersive experience for your audience.

Puppets and Props:

Puppets and props can add a unique and creative element to any theatre production, and Curtain Up! provides practical advice on how to use them effectively. It covers topics such as creating your own puppets, using props to create a sense of place, and working with actors to interact with puppets and props. The book also includes tips on how to source and budget for puppets and props.

Scriptwriting:

Scriptwriting is an essential skill for any theatre producer, and Curtain Up! provides comprehensive guidance on how to beat the blank page and pen your own original show. It covers topics such as story structure, character development, and dialogue, and includes tips on how to create compelling and engaging characters. The book also includes exercises and techniques to help scriptwriters develop their skills and create their own unique style.

Lighting Design:

Lighting design is an essential aspect of any theatre production, and Curtain Up! provides detailed advice on how to maximise your resources to create a whole world on stage. It covers topics such as lighting techniques, lighting instruments, and lighting cues, and includes tips on how to create a cohesive and immersive experience for your audience. The book also includes exercises and techniques to help lighting designers develop their skills and create their own unique style.

Publicity:

Publicity is an essential aspect of any theatre production, and Curtain Up! provides comprehensive guidance on how to identify your audience, reach them, and get those bums on seats. It covers topics such as marketing, social media, and press releases, and includes tips on how to create a buzz around your production and attract a wider audience. The book also includes worksheets and templates to assist with planning and budgeting for publicity.

Planning:

Curtain Up! includes a section on planning, with tips and worksheets to assist with everything from budgeting to selecting your production team. It covers topics such as creating a production budget, selecting the right venue, and managing your production team. The book also includes examples and case studies to help you apply the principles and practices discussed in the book to your own theatre projects.

Conclusion:

Curtain Up! is a comprehensive and hands-on guide to making theatre, perfect for any school, college, youth group, or amateur theatre company. It provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to take your productions to the next level, and includes valuable advice and practical tips on every aspect of putting on a show. Whether you are a seasoned theatre professional or a newcomer to the field, this inspiring, empowering, and highly accessible manual will help make your next production your best yet.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 148 x 210 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848428522