<p>Inspelning av examenskonserten saknas</p>

Performing the work of William Shakespeare can be daunting to new actors. Author Herb Parker posits that his work is played easier if actors think of the plays as happening out of outrageous situations, and remember just how non-realistic and presentational Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be performed. The plays are driven by language and the spoken word, and the themes and plots are absolutely out of the ordinary and fantastic―the very definition of outrageous. With exercises, improvisations, and coaching points, Acting Shakespeare is Outrageous! helps actors use the words Shakespeare wrote as a tool to perform him, and to create exciting and moving performances. / https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu_books/1138/thumbnail.jpg

I examined how one may establish directorial and choreographic proficiency in the contemporary society of American musical theatre. I did so by completing an examination of five personal observations in my craft. These observations included: (1) Directorship and choreography of Welcome to Vegas, an original jukebox musical; (2) Mentorship on Theatre UCF’s Nine as Assistant Director and Co-Choreographer; (3) Research on the methodologies of various directors and choreographers; (4) Directorship and choreography of Welcome to Broadway, an original jukebox musical; and (5) Assistant to the Program Director of Broadway Theatre Project. I evaluated parallels of my directing and choreography methodologies with those of noted directors and choreographers in the entertainment industry. These industry professionals include famed choreographer Ernest O. Flatt, Ron Field, Hermes Pan, Joe Layton, and Lee Theodore, acclaimed directors Harold Clurman, Dr. Louis E. Catron, and Jon Jory, and prolific director-choreographers Patricia Birch, Donald Saddler, Bob Avian, Bob Fosse, Tommy Tune, and Michael Bennett, as well as Professor Weaver. I have worked for people who believe that experience alone is enough to make one a successful director, choreographer, or director-choreographer. My experience working with and observations of professional directors, choreographers, and director-choreographers, however, has proven that it takes more than experience alone in order to succeed. I predicted the process of establishing my own directorial and choreographic proficiency will stem from a combination of inspiration, mentorship, trial and error, and experience.

This book, a short and easy read with common sense coaching and easy to follow exercises, takes beginning acting students through techniques and improvisations that will help them overcome perhaps their greatest fear: making “The Big Choice.” Using sound examples from classical as well as contemporary plays, Herb Parker makes it easier for the theatrical neophyte by making the case that a play is “about human beings caught in an outrageous situation, caused by love.” “Actor, director, teacher Herb Parker has given us a splendid new book about acting. He analyzes this ancient art in clear, precise, engaging prose while dispensing acute, methodical and perceptive advice. Brilliant actor that he is, Herb understands the craft, the exceptional director gently leads the actor toward a fully realized performance and the thoughtful, caring teacher explains it all to the reader (student). This is the book of acting you need and one you will cherish.” / https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu_books/1052/thumbnail.jpg