Product Description

Gotta dance! Gotta sing! Gotta do most anything because it's show time! In Show Time! kids will learn to become "triple threat" performers, developing their skills as singers, dancers, and actors through more than 80 activities that include imitating a musician or musical instrument, acting out a song, creating a mirror dance, making puppets and playbills, and more. Along the way, they'll learn about the history of musicals, discover musicals about history, and find out how to get it all together before the curtain goes up. Show Time! is perfect for teachers needing to prepare performers for a show; for parents looking for fun ways to fill spare minutes with their kids at home, in the car, or in a doctor's waiting room; and for kids wanting ways to enjoy themselves on their own or in a small group. Several play scripts, a list of suggested musicals for kids, and a play glossary are included.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33327 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 194 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-An introduction to musical theater. The author covers the history of musicals from those inspired by Shakespeare to those written by Sondheim in one- and two-page chapters with added tidbits in sidebars. Creating musicals from poetry, basic acting preparation, rhythm and dance, and creative dramatics form the basis for activities. There are games, scenes for experimentation, and short scripts to stage. Many activities are physical in nature, and would work well with groups of young actors. The directions are given in organized steps. Some of the activities are quite creative and will challenge even the more seasoned performers. A few games involve vocal expression, but adults could add sound to any number of the activities; indeed, many invite experimentation. Simple drawings add a friendly touch. Since the book looks at musical theatre from so many points of view, it will be useful for different pursuits, e.g., teachers, directors working with young actors, and children looking for direction in theatrical ventures.
Cris Riedel, Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School, Dansville, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author
Lisa Bany-Winters is the author of On Stage: Theater Games and Activities for Kids and the kids' director for Northlight Theatre in Skokie, Illinois. She founded Emanon Theater Company in 1984 and has taught improvisation, creative drama, and acting at The Second City Northwest and many schools in and around Chicago. She lives in Glenview, Illinois.

Customer Reviews

Wow!
Mrs. Bany-Winters writes a great book! I've tried all of the theatre games and they are all very fun to do.. even if you aren't into theatre! I recommend this book to everyone.. try it at parties, try it by yourself, try with friends.. just try it!

Great Activities
I LOVED this book and Lisa's other book. I think her games and activities are great ways to get kids interested in theatre. Keep up the good work, Lisa!