The Young Vic Theatre Book

Description

This book introduces young people to the theatrical processes behind the scenes of one of the country's best known and best loved theatres. The Young Vic is famous for its hugely successful productions of classic and modern plays, which have attracted widespread critical acclaim. Here Ruth Little, the theatre's associate artistic director, looks at the processes involved in staging a theatrical work with young people from transforming stories into action in GRIMM'S TALES, tackling classical dialogue in DR FAUSTUS, developing character in RAISIN IN THE SUN, or staging a musical in SIMPLY HEAVENLY. Each chapter is based on actual work led by professional directors at the Young Vic and includes multiple ideas for how to enthuse young actors and directors with the possibilities of theatre, including costume and design, running rehearsals and much, much more. With a preface by the Young Vic's Artistic Director, David Lan, THE YOUNG VIC BOOK is full of insights from actors and directors who have worked at the theatre including Jude Law, Lennie James, Frank Dunlop and Barbara Houseman.

Craig Higginson is a playwright, novelist and theatre director. His plays include Dream of the Dog (which transferred to the Trafalgar Studios on the West End), The Girl in the Yellow Dress (on at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh 2010), The Jungle Book and Little Foot (commissioned by the National Theatre for the 2012 Connections Festival). Craig has won several awards in South Africa and the United Kingdom, including a Sony Gold Award, an Edinburgh Fringe First and a Naledi Award. His plays are represented by PFD. Ruth Little joined the Royal Court in 2007 as Literary Manager. Previously, she was Artistic Associate at the Young Vic and Literary Manager of the Soho Theatre.