COMMUNICATING READERS THEATRE: MESSAGES IN GROUP PERFORMANCE
Edition: 1
Copyright: 2007
Pages: 242
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$73.86
Preface
Chapter 1 Readers Theatre: What Is It?
Introduction
Definition
History and Development of Readers Theatre
Overview of the Book
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 2 Transforming Texts into Group Performance: Theory and Perceptions
Communicative Intent of Texts in Performance
Presentational Theory Notions: Alienation Devices
Presentational Theory Notions: Psychological Closure
A Communication Model for Readers Theatre
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 3 Transforming Texts into Group Performance: Selection and Analysis
Criteria for Text Selection
Structure for Text Selection
Single Text Productions
Compiled Text Formats
Analyzing the Text: The Rhetorical/Argumentative Approach
Primary Ideas in a Text
Analysis of Characters
Sensory Imagery in Texts
Elements of Time
Plot Structure in Analysis
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 4 Performance Choices
Nonverbal Performance Choices
Kinesics
Oculesics
Physical Appearance and Clothing
Proxemics and Haptics
Chronemics
Vocal Performance Choices
Voice Qualities
Vocal Set
Vocalizations
Choosing Focus
Optional Script Binder Use
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 5 Adapting Texts: Drama/Narrative Fiction/Poetry
General Adaptation Suggestions for All Literature
Adapting Drama for Readers Theatre Scripts
Adapting Narrative Fiction into Chamber Theatre
Adapting Poetry/Song Lyrics to Performance
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 6 Adapting Texts: Nonfiction Prose/Ethnographies/Oral
Adapting Nonfiction Prose for Readers Theatre
Adapting Ethnographies and Oral Texts for Readers Theatre
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 7 Designing and Staging the Textual Performance
Casting
Performance Space
Movement on Stage
Stage Properties
Scripts Present or Absent
Costuming
Lighting and Media Usage
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 8 Creativity in Textual Performances
Creativity in Finding and Selecting Texts
Creativity in the Production Vision
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 9 Preparing the Production Guide/Script; Rehearsals in Preparation for Performance
Production Guide Essentials
Actual Script
Auditioning
Rehearsals
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 10 Outlets for Readers Theatre Performance
Forensics and Festivals
Children's Groups
Religious Centers
Wedding Ceremonies
Social Services
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Appendix
Dividing Lines in Poetry: "The Changed Man"
Dividing Lines for Drama Literature: "The Glass Menagerie"
Dividing Performance Lines in Narrative Fiction: "The Final Problem"
Dividing Lines for Performance in Nonfiction Essays: "You Want Mind Blowing?"
Transforming Single Persona to Multiple Personae in a Documentary
Group Activity on Generating "Creativity" in Readers Theatre
Audition Sheet (1)
Audition Sheet (2)
Evaluation of Director (1)
Evaluation of Director (2)
Evaluation of Participant (1)
Evaluation of Participant (2)
Class Readers Theatre Evaluation Form (1)
Class Readers Theatre Evaluation Form (2)
Index
Todd V. Lewis is an emeritus professor and former chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Biola University, La Mirada, CA. He has a B.A. in Speech Communication from Biola University, an M.A. degree in Communication, specializing in the history of Oral Interpretation from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from Louisiana State University in Rhetoric and Public Address, with support areas in performance studies. He has served as an adjunct or consulting professor at such schools as San Francisco Theological Seminary, Regent University, and Arizona Christian University.
He was a fulltime faculty member at Biola University for forty-one years, beginning in 1974. He has been the chair of the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament Committee, a past president of the Religious Communication Association and the Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensic Association. He has been an associate editor with such journals as Southern Communication Journal, National Forensic Journal, The Journal of Religion and Communication, The Journal of Media and Religion, and has contributed and published numerous professional articles in these and other journals. He is the author of three religious script texts for Readers Theatre performance in churches: RT: A Readers Theatre Ministry; RT Two: Two Scripts for Readers Theatre; and RT for Christmas. He has written Communicating Readers Theatre: Messages in Group Performance for Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
He was the 1990 winner of the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament Distinguished Service Award. In 2015 Biola University awarded him the Career Achievement in Leadership Award.
In addition to his interests in Oral Interpretation, he has chapter authored materials in debate, media analysis, and rhetorical criticism texts. In recent years his research interests have included studies in the rhetoric of memorials for September 11th as a means of finding hope, the religious messages in promotional videos for SEC football games, as well as the impact of popular culture icons such as The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory television shows and the Harry Potter books and films with religious audiences.
Todd is married with two grown married sons and three grandchildren.
Preface
Chapter 1 Readers Theatre: What Is It?
Introduction
Definition
History and Development of Readers Theatre
Overview of the Book
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 2 Transforming Texts into Group Performance: Theory and Perceptions
Communicative Intent of Texts in Performance
Presentational Theory Notions: Alienation Devices
Presentational Theory Notions: Psychological Closure
A Communication Model for Readers Theatre
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 3 Transforming Texts into Group Performance: Selection and Analysis
Criteria for Text Selection
Structure for Text Selection
Single Text Productions
Compiled Text Formats
Analyzing the Text: The Rhetorical/Argumentative Approach
Primary Ideas in a Text
Analysis of Characters
Sensory Imagery in Texts
Elements of Time
Plot Structure in Analysis
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 4 Performance Choices
Nonverbal Performance Choices
Kinesics
Oculesics
Physical Appearance and Clothing
Proxemics and Haptics
Chronemics
Vocal Performance Choices
Voice Qualities
Vocal Set
Vocalizations
Choosing Focus
Optional Script Binder Use
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 5 Adapting Texts: Drama/Narrative Fiction/Poetry
General Adaptation Suggestions for All Literature
Adapting Drama for Readers Theatre Scripts
Adapting Narrative Fiction into Chamber Theatre
Adapting Poetry/Song Lyrics to Performance
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 6 Adapting Texts: Nonfiction Prose/Ethnographies/Oral
Adapting Nonfiction Prose for Readers Theatre
Adapting Ethnographies and Oral Texts for Readers Theatre
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Chapter 7 Designing and Staging the Textual Performance
Casting
Performance Space
Movement on Stage
Stage Properties
Scripts Present or Absent
Costuming
Lighting and Media Usage
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 8 Creativity in Textual Performances
Creativity in Finding and Selecting Texts
Creativity in the Production Vision
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 9 Preparing the Production Guide/Script; Rehearsals in Preparation for Performance
Production Guide Essentials
Actual Script
Auditioning
Rehearsals
Discussion and Assignments
References
Chapter 10 Outlets for Readers Theatre Performance
Forensics and Festivals
Children's Groups
Religious Centers
Wedding Ceremonies
Social Services
Conclusion
Discussion and Assignments
Additional Reading
References
Appendix
Dividing Lines in Poetry: "The Changed Man"
Dividing Lines for Drama Literature: "The Glass Menagerie"
Dividing Performance Lines in Narrative Fiction: "The Final Problem"
Dividing Lines for Performance in Nonfiction Essays: "You Want Mind Blowing?"
Transforming Single Persona to Multiple Personae in a Documentary
Group Activity on Generating "Creativity" in Readers Theatre
Audition Sheet (1)
Audition Sheet (2)
Evaluation of Director (1)
Evaluation of Director (2)
Evaluation of Participant (1)
Evaluation of Participant (2)
Class Readers Theatre Evaluation Form (1)
Class Readers Theatre Evaluation Form (2)
Index
Todd V. Lewis is an emeritus professor and former chair of the Department of Communication Studies at Biola University, La Mirada, CA. He has a B.A. in Speech Communication from Biola University, an M.A. degree in Communication, specializing in the history of Oral Interpretation from Ohio State University, and a Ph.D. in Speech Communication from Louisiana State University in Rhetoric and Public Address, with support areas in performance studies. He has served as an adjunct or consulting professor at such schools as San Francisco Theological Seminary, Regent University, and Arizona Christian University.
He was a fulltime faculty member at Biola University for forty-one years, beginning in 1974. He has been the chair of the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament Committee, a past president of the Religious Communication Association and the Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensic Association. He has been an associate editor with such journals as Southern Communication Journal, National Forensic Journal, The Journal of Religion and Communication, The Journal of Media and Religion, and has contributed and published numerous professional articles in these and other journals. He is the author of three religious script texts for Readers Theatre performance in churches: RT: A Readers Theatre Ministry; RT Two: Two Scripts for Readers Theatre; and RT for Christmas. He has written Communicating Readers Theatre: Messages in Group Performance for Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
He was the 1990 winner of the American Forensic Association National Individual Events Tournament Distinguished Service Award. In 2015 Biola University awarded him the Career Achievement in Leadership Award.
In addition to his interests in Oral Interpretation, he has chapter authored materials in debate, media analysis, and rhetorical criticism texts. In recent years his research interests have included studies in the rhetoric of memorials for September 11th as a means of finding hope, the religious messages in promotional videos for SEC football games, as well as the impact of popular culture icons such as The Simpsons and The Big Bang Theory television shows and the Harry Potter books and films with religious audiences.
Todd is married with two grown married sons and three grandchildren.