In theatre, context is everything. So what do you do when there is no context? Spare Scenes contains 60 open, circumstance-free scenes that promote growth in craft by forcing you to create context by determining character, relationship and action.
Each brief scene places you into a two-person scenario where something is at stake, but where the dialogue offers no specific clues about the clash, forcing you to make choices that demonstrate the who, what, why, where, when, and how. But these skeletal scenes aren't just for actors, directors can use them to develop their skills in creating relationships, conflict, tone, and other theatrical dynamics.
Whether you are an actor honing your ability to create a character and play an action or an acting and directing teacher who wants a fun and challenging alternative to traditional script-analysis and character-building lessons, Spare Scenes is a fresh tool for learning, teaching, or practicing the craft. Pick up Spare Scenes, and find out what you'd do when the context is...nothing.
About the Author: Diane Timmerman, a member of the Actors' Equity Association, SAG, and AFTRA, is a freelance actor, director, and a Designated Linklater Voice Teacher. She is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Butler University in Indianapolis, where she teaches acting and voice. Her other books include 90-Minute Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream (Smith and Kraus, 2001) and 90-Minute Shakespeare: Romeo & Juliet (Smith and Kraus, 2001).
