Even after fifty years of creating musicals, I found The Art of Writing for the Theatre immensely helpful, especially as I undertake new projects. Luke Yankee's clear and concise analysis and advice, coupled with the insights of the writers he interviewed, seems to me invaluable and inspiring for anyone aspiring to write for the theatre, from beginner to long-time professional. * Stephen Schwartz, Tony-winning composer and lyricist of Wicked, Pippin, & Godspell. *
One can't have a life in the theatre by taking shortcuts. One can't enter this world with no regard for what has come before you. The elements needed toward becoming a true person of the theater are beautifully illuminated and enumerated in Luke Yankee's book. He is a playwright and a director and his heart has been in the theater ever since he was a kid. Rightly so. Love and intelligence mix in this essential work. * Joanna Gleason, Tony winner for Into the Woods; three-time Drama Desk Award winner *
I only wish when I was starting out that I had a book like this. It is filled with valuable and important information. Luke Yankee's insight and guidance is spot on! Anybody who is thinking about going into this profession should start by reading this book. * Scott Ellis, nine-time Tony nominee as Best Director; Olivier Award winner as Best Director for She Loves Me *
This is a must-read for anyone in the arts, but particularly for young people with a hunger to immerse themselves in the nuts and bolts of the theatre, and the crucial importance of language. The accomplished director and playwright, Luke Yankee, leaves no stone unturned in this comprehensive work; he clearly has a great love and respect, not only for playwriting, but for all the essential elements that fill in the spaces. * Victor Garber, four-time Tony nominee for Lend Me A Tenor, Deathrap, Little Me, & Damn Yankees; six-time Emmy nominee *
Luke Yankee offers insightful discussions on the development of character, dramatic structure, and script analysis-all amply supported by interviews with distinguished contemporary theatre artists. Calling on his extensive career as actor, director, and writer, Yankee's practical approach is an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to hone their skills in writing for the theatre. * Lucien Douglas, The University of Texas at Austin, USA *
Having worked almost exclusively with new plays and emerging playwrights for over 30 years, it was fascinating to read the insights and wisdom Luke Yankee has managed to unlock from the best playwrights, lyricists and critics in our field today. This is essential reading for the next generation of playwrights. I finally have an answer when younger writers ask me what book to read about playwriting: this one! * Jon Lawrence Rivera, Artistic Director, Playwrights Arena, Los Angeles, USA *
This book has it all! It contains a concrete approach to understanding what's inside a scene, a terrific tutorial on putting thoughts onto paper, a look inside the nuances of criticism, and straightforward advice from professionals at the top of their game. If you are a theatre artist who plans to put words on a page, you need to read and study this book. * Professor Brian Kite, UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, USA *
You'll have to go far and wide to find a better introduction to script analysis, playwriting, and criticism than this. Every theatre teacher should use this in their classroom. Practical and informative! * Millicent Martin, BAFTA award winner and two-time Tony nominee *
From the reader's first encounter with the text and the writer's confrontation with the empty page, Luke Yankee's The Art of Writing for the Theatre offers clarifying definitions and helpful guidance for aspiring playwrights and theatre critics. Using excerpts from his own plays as subjects for analysis and enlightening interviews with working playwrights and critics, the book offers a wealth of information and inspiration for all who seek to better understand the inner workings of the writer's art. * Evan Yionoulis, Richard Rodgers Dean and Director of the Drama Division, The Juilliard School, USA *
First, let me thank Luke Yankee for this extraordinary book. It's been a long while since I've read anything that so comprehensively addresses the subject as The Art of Writing for The Theatre. Not only is the book completely informative, it's also a good read. The exploration of examples of playwriting, criticism, and analysis are invaluable. The interviews with some of the theatre's most distinct voices is like going to the ultimate master class. The inclusion of people of diverse backgrounds makes it all the more applicable to everyone in a personal manner. I am an actor, director, writer, teacher, and devout audience member. This book will be by my side as a guideline in the future in each of those endeavors. Any student or teacher, or for that matter, anyone interested in the theatre in its most elemental form will benefit from this book. Get it and keep it on your shelf. I would be willing to bet that you will refer to it many times in the future. * Ken Page, star of the original Broadway companies of Cats and Aint Misbehavin' *
This essential book sits squarely in the 'required reading' section for any university theatre course or for anyone who wants to understand the theatrical medium better. It begins with clear, inspiring lessons and tips that guide the writer from conception to fruition while including priceless wisdom from masters in our field. The text provides the reader with invaluable, user-friendly prompts that both allow the writer to be more understanding and critical of their own work, but also to view other's works with a clearer eye. I simply found this book a pleasure to read and was enlightened and inspired about my own creative process as well as viewing all dramatic works with new insights. A must read! * John B. Benitz, Chair, Department of Theatre, Chapman University, USA *
