Summer Kick-Off Reading list
Summer is finally here (we hope), and with that, comes beaches, road trips, camping, and summer reading lists! We’re here to help. If you’re hoping to develop a new understanding for the industry, relate to theatre professionals, or simply to get inspired, here are a few books you might want to check out.
New Understanding
Audition by Michael Shurtleff
Audition outlines 12 guideposts; how to make a lasting impression, create a good character in a small amount of time, how to interpret a script quickly, to name a few. Essentially, this book has everything you need to know to successfully audition. Great for actors, directors, writers, technicians, and creative artists.
Actions: The Actor’s Thesaurus by Marina Calderone
The Actor’s Thesaurus is a great book that breaks down “action-ing” (a technique for analyzing scripts). It gives examples on how to action out a script and then gives a thesaurus of verbs that leads the artist to be even more specific in the breaking down of a scene.
Empty Space by Peter Brook
This book takes different theatrical styles, and develops them into four modes, or points of view on theatre; Deadly, Holy, Rough, and Immediate. A great read for anyone interested in exploring issues facing any theatrical performance.
The Artists’ Compass: A Complete Guide to Building a Life and Living in the Performing Arts by Rachel Moore
Written by the president and CEO of The Music Centre in Los Angeles, Rachel Moore writes about how to make your life as a performer more successful, secure and sustainable. Insight on how to launch your career, and a focus on strong women in leadership.
Getting inspired
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
This book may help you get through some feelings of doubt and artist block on a regular basis. Basically, it is a 12-week course designed to bring out your inner creativity. It allows you to connect to your past, and open yourself up to possibility. Ideal for anyone who wants to feel more fulfilled creatively, whether or not you work in a traditionally ‘creative’ career.
Drama by Raina Telgameier
A fun summer read! This graphic novel is about a girl navigating her life while also set designing her very first show.
Awakening your Ikigai by Ken Mogi
This book illustrates the japanese concept of Ikigai, which basically means “a reason for being.” Ken Mogi explains the concept and talks about waking up every day with happiness and hope. Mogi focuses on five pillars; starting small, releasing yourself, harmony and sustainability, the joy of little things, and being in the here and now.
Other must-reads
Lady Parts by Andrea Martin
This book is a riot. If you like to laugh, like to read fun stories about the early days of SCTV, and if you’ve ever wondered if Andrea Martin is Canadian, this book is for you.
Nothing Like a Dame: Conversations with the Great Women of Musical Theatre by Eddie Shapiro
If you love musical theatre, you need to read this book. Eddie Shapiro interviews twenty of Broadway’s leading women. Laura Benanti, Chita Rivera, Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, and Sutton Foster are just some of the performers interviewed. This book is funny, interesting, motivational, and inspiring. Check it out!
This is just a short list of some amazing books out there! We hope this will kick off some summer reading, and inspire you to find some great reads on your own! Have any more book ideas? Leave a comment below!
Until next time!
Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)
P.S. Here are a couple links to more reading resources!
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