School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-7-This updated edition of the drama club classic offers a good blend of practical and fun information and includes 30 new games and scripts. The encouraging tone is perfect for novice thespians. Theater vocabulary and other basics are thoroughly covered. Popular improv games such as "Yes And...," "Mirrors," and "Party Quirks" make up the bulk of the book. Attractive sidebars in the shape of movie slates feature informational text. "Play It Again, Sam" sidebars feature multiple variations for further inspiration. Black-and-white cartoon illustrations show cheerful children participating in the exercises. The final two chapters give a cursory treatment to puppetry, mask-making, and backstage skills. This book is a boon for educators, theater directors, camp counselors, and students looking for theater warm-ups, circle games, improv prompts, short scripted skits, and other activities.-Madigan McGillicuddy, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, Atlanta, GA (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 4^-7. Here's a welcome addition for libraries that have calls for theater-related topics. Bany-Winters, who has taught children's theater, has compiled a varied and interesting assortment of theater games that will stimulate the imagination and get young thespians ready to perform on stage. The games are divided into different categories, among them improvisation, creating characters, using and becoming objects, and ideas for pantomime and puppetry. There are also suggestions for monologues, scenes, and plays. A clean design, highlighted by ink drawings, makes the book accessible for kids who want to use this on their own (though teachers, scout leaders, and other interested adults may be the book's best audience). There are also plenty of tips for costumes, makeup, sets, and props. Glossary; bibliography. --Ilene Cooper