Drama School

Provides information and advice on putting on all kinds of stage shows, discussing scripts, learning to act, working backstage, costumes and make-up, sound effects, and more.

This new entry in the popular series that includes Art School, Science School, and Nature School offers children a fun introduction to the world of theatre and film. Award-winning author/illustrator team Mick Manning and Brita Granström pack the book with great ideas for every aspect of a production, from developing acting skills with games and what to do about forgetting lines, to creating snazzy costumes and sets to wow the audience. Clear, step-by-step instructions and colorful illustrations show how to portray a stage fight; put on a puppet show; make scenery, props, and costumes; design posters and tickets; and much more.

Children's Literature

When I first looked at the title of this book, saw the cover illustration of the children in costume and read the phrase "All you need to put on a show!" I got excited. Flipping through the pages, however, I was not impressed with the layout. I found each page a bit too busy with the many illustrations and captions. Nevertheless, I did find the book easy to read, and it does tell children everything they need to know in order to put on a show, whether a puppet show or a play. The book tells what kinds of materials will be needed to make puppets and a stage for them or to make props and costumes for a play. It describes the jobs that must be done to put on a production, such as director, stage manager, costume designer, stagehand, set designer, sound crew, and others. There are interesting, fun exercises for learning to act. Suggestions and projects are described for each of the crew members. The book even suggests putting up posters, selling tickets and donating the money made to a charity. At the end of the book is a glossary of terms and a certificate of completion. Reviewer: Christine Cassello

Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom's books include Art School, Nature Watch, The World is Full of Babies - which was the Smarties silver award winner in 1996 - and What's Under the Bed?, TES award winner, 1997.

Brita Granstrom's books with Mick Manning include Art School, Nature Watch, The World is Full of Babies (Smarties silver award winner 1996), and What's Under the Bed? (TES award winner 1997).