Viola Spolin's improvisational techniques changed the very nature and practice of modern theater. The first two editions of Improvisation for the Theater sold more than 100,000 copies and inspired actors, directors, teachers, and writers in theater, television, film. These techniques have also influenced the fields of education, mental health, social work, and psychology.-Print ed.

"When Jean-Marc Sauvet, successful lawyer and the best friend of Aix-en-Provence's examining magistrate Antoine Verlaque, accepted a small role in a local theater's summer production of Marcel Pagnol's Cigalon, he had no idea that the lead actress would be played by the great Liliane Poncet. But Jean-Marc's excitement about rubbing elbows with one of France's legendary film stars is quickly extinguished. The lead actor, Gauthier Lesage, is rude and...

Amateur sleuth, Simon Kirby-Jones is looking forward to settling into his new home in the quaint British village of Snupperton-despite a few potential challenges. Not only is Simon an American, but he's also a gay vampire who controls his vampiric urges and sun sensitivity with an effective medication. Delighted to be in the cozy English village of his dreams, he's eager to make Snupperton his home, and joins the fundraising committee of the local...

"Amateur sleuth Mordecai Tremaine must solve a small-town mystery before the next victim takes their final bow"-- Rehearsals for the local amateur dramatic production are in full swing, but the real tragedy is unfolding offstage. The star of the show has been found dead, and the spotlight falls on Mordecai Tremain, whose reputation in the field of crime-solving precedes him. Will he be able to derail the killer's performance, before it's curtains...

Chelsea Morris has always been responsible, and focused on her dreams of fashion design. But as she settles into her role as lead designer for a summer stock theatre group, tensions begin to rise. When college boy Dylan joins the production, she starts questioning her relationship with her boyfriend Todd. Chelsea finds herself breaking rules, sneaking out to meet Dylan, and soon must decide whether her heart is leading her in the right direction after...

"Famous cookery writer Laura Tyler arrives in Prior's Ford determined to become immersed in village life--and the village drama group's forthcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest offers her the perfect opportunity. It's just a pity that her uptight husband lacks her enthusiasm. But Laura has cause to regret her involvement when murder calls a halt to rehearsals of the play. And for another newcomer to the village, Constable Neil White,...

Murder takes center stage in a Southern small town's Christmas play in this cozy mystery by the New York Times—bestselling author of Down Home Murder. Laura Fleming's theater-loving husband, Richard, is getting an early Christmas present- he's been asked to direct a production of A Christmas Carol in Laura's hometown of Byerly, North Carolina. To Richard's annoyance, the play is beset by practical jokes and glitches, and Seth Murdstone makes an...

Considers a variety of shows and how to produce them and discusses such aspects of theatricals as props, costumes, make-up, publicity, tickets, and ushers.