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Amateur plays Books
Best books
George M. (George Melville) Baker
The Exhibition Drama Comprising Drama, Comedy, and Farce, Together with Dramatic and Musical Entertainments
"The Exhibition Drama" by George M. Baker is a collection of theatrical works including drama, comedy, and farce, written during the late 19th century. The book is designed for amateur performances and home theatricals, making it suitable for private exhibitions, school events, and holiday gatherings. Among its featured plays is "Enlisted for the War," which focuses on the emotional struggles of a soldier named Robert Trueworth as he and his family face the hardships during the Civil War, including themes of love, sacrifice, and socio-economic strife. The opening of the drama introduces Robert Trueworth and his family as they come to terms with the loss of their family farm, sold to pay off debts. As Robert prepares to enlist in the Union army, the dialogue reveals the interconnected lives of Robert, his mother, and sister, Mattie, as they reflect on their past and the uncertain future ahead. Wilder Rowell, the farm's new owner and guardian to the wealthy heiress Gaylie Gifford, emerges as a complicated figure, indicating conflicts of interest that will impact the relationships and aspirations of the characters. The layered emotions and conflicts established in this initial scene lay the groundwork for a story rich with personal and societal challenges amid the backdrop of war.
Ellen M. (Ellen Melville) Willard
Yuletide entertainments : $b Christmas recitations, monologues, drills, tableaux, motion songs, exercises, dialogues and plays
"Yuletide Entertainments" by Ellen M. Willard is a collection of Christmas recitations, monologues, drills, tableaux, and songs written in the early 20th century. The book is designed to provide festive performances suitable for all ages, particularly focusing on enhancing the Christmas spirit through entertaining and educational methods. It aims to engage children and adults alike in celebrating Christmas with creativity and joy. The opening of "Yuletide Entertainments" introduces the reader to a rich array of festive content, starting with an informative introductory section that emphasizes the importance of precision in performances. This is followed by a compilation of Christmas-themed recitations, including poems like "Christmas Every Day," where a little girl wishes it could always be Christmas, leading to unexpected consequences. The text also features dialogues and monologues that reflect different aspects of the holiday, such as Christmas shopping through the eyes of a young boy in "Fred's Christmas Shopping," and reminiscences of Christmas traditions in "In Grandma's Day." Overall, the opening sets the tone for a vibrant exploration of holiday entertainments intended to inspire joyous celebrations.
George M. (George Melville) Baker
The Mimic Stage A Series of Dramas, Comedies, Burlesques, and Farces for Public Exhibitions and Private Theatricals
"The Mimic Stage" by George M. Baker is a collection of dramatic pieces written in the late 19th century. This compilation includes a variety of comedies, dramas, burlesques, and farces specifically designed for amateur performances, highlighting the accessible nature of theater for public exhibitions and private theatricals. The collection is aimed at providing enjoyment and entertainment for young and old alike, removing the burden of cost and elaborate staging. The opening of the work presents "Down by the Sea," the first of the included dramas. This piece introduces us to several characters, including John Gale, a fisherman, and his two protégés, March and September Gale, who were rescued as infants from shipwrecks. As the story unfolds, the interactions among the characters depict a blend of humor and warmth, showcasing their relationships, aspirations, and the peculiarities of coastal life. The narrative hints at underlying themes of family and identity as they grapple with their shared past and the mysteries of their origins.
Barrett H. (Barrett Harper) Clark
How to Produce Amateur Plays: A Practical Manual
"How to Produce Amateur Plays: A Practical Manual" by Barrett H. Clark is a practical guide to amateur theatrical production, likely written in the early 20th century. The book serves as a valuable resource for beginners involved in play production, offering step-by-step advice from selecting a play to staging and rehearsals. It emphasizes the importance of organizing and managing the various aspects of amateur theater, making it suitable for aspiring directors, actors, and stage managers seeking to enhance their skills. The opening of the book outlines the challenges and considerations involved in choosing a play for amateur productions, stressing the significance of selecting appropriate material based on the size and abilities of the cast. Clark critiques existing materials on play selection, asserting that many are incomplete or impractical. He lists crucial factors to consider when choosing a play, including the cast's capability and the thematic nature of the content. This foundational chapter sets the tone for the rest of the manual, promising a thorough exploration of the technical and practical aspects of putting on a successful production.
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