There is a lot more to propping a show than many theatre people realize. Veteran prop master Amy Mussman's boook, aptly titled The Prop Master, is here to escort readers through the steps needed to be a top-notch properties master in any level of theatre.

Filled with wonderful illustrations by Amy's talented brother, James, The Prop Master is a must-buy for anyone taking on the daunting task of propping a stage production. The text leads the prop master from planning to production, including preliminary paperwork and research procedures; budget management; techniques for procuring props; ways to operate within rehearsal, technical, and performance processes; and obligations to other production departments along the way. Features such as a "Tips and Techniques" section devoted to creating common props, an in-depth job description, and detailed definitions of various props make this an invaluable resource for both the novice and experienced prop master.

Drama Games and Improvs

Many drama teachers told us that they didn't have the time to organize a semester-long curriculum from our several books of improvisation. Could we publish a book clearly focused on improv and drama games? Of course we could! We talked with our authors Justine Jones and Mary Ann Kelley, who wrote Improv Ideas, and they went to work on a second book, Drama Games and Improvs, that can be used in the classroom and beyond. It has enough games and ideas to provide for more than a year of classroom activities.

The book is divided into 30 units with 74 lessons and 134 games. The activities emphasize group building, characterization, plot structure, ensemble acting, creativity, the art of listening and silence, and following directions. Four integrative projects allow students to apply everything they've learned at the end of the semester.

Equally useful for drama teachers and workshop directors, this book guarantees that drama students of all ages and skill levels will have fun while learning acting essentials. Simultaneously disciplined and flexible, the activities in this book are designed to build on those preceding them. The game-intense structure and flexibility of the semester gives the entire class a feeling of spontaneity and venturesome exploration that most students find hard to resist.

Justine Jones has taught improvisation drama for over thirty years in secondary schools. She has studied drama in the US, UK and Canada.

Mary Ann Kelley has taught drama for thirty years with the central focus of developing plays through improvisation.

Books on theatre games and improvisation have grown in popularity over the years. We at Meriwether Publishing have worked with our authors to develop many new books on improv, theatre games and acting games.