Book launch

[Brian Quirt]

David Copelin's new book PRACTICAL PLAYWRITING has just been published
by The Writer, Inc. in Boston.  David currently lives in Toronto.

Here's what they say:

        "The lights dim, the audience grows silent, and the curtain rises.  The
play about to begin could very well be YOUR play -- if you master your
craft with the help of PRACTICAL PLAYWRITING.
        "David Copelin, a seasoned playwright who has also worked as literary
manager and dramaturg at many theatres across the continent, examines
the entire playwriting process -- from the first stirrings of an idea
through the exciting experience of working with a director and actors
and seeing your play come alive on the stage.
        "Starting with the various sources from which plays develop -- most
commonly CHARACTER and SITUATION -- the discussion moves on to how to
create memorable characters; transforming a story into a plot that will
hold an audience's attention; mastering the art of dialogue; developing
a distinctive style and 'voice.'  Throughout the book, excerpts from Mr.
Copelin's own plays, as well as those of such successful playwrights as
Tom Stoppard, David Rabe, Tina Howe, Ntozake Shange, and Larry Shue
complement practical advice and specific techniques.
        "The vital step of revising your script is measurably more productive
if you hear your play in a 'cold' or unrehearsed reading, and Mr.
Copelin explores ways to organize and learn from such a reading.  There
is a detailed chapter on script submission -- standard playscript
formats, where and how to submit, handling rejection, and how to work
with agents.  You will also get practical insights into the production
process once your play is accepted by a theatre -- working with
dramaturgs, directors, actors, and other theatre experts to make sure
the presentation of your play is the best it can be.
        "Reading the work of accomplished playwrights is a must for anyone
entering the field, and at the end of his helpful text, the author
provides a list of plays recommended for reading and study, along with
information on where copies of the scripts can be found.
        "If writing for the theatre is your goal, this book can be your
inspiration and your guide from the moment you start Act I, Scene 1, to
CURTAIN."