Twelve Short Plays and One Long One

<p>Teachers of the Theatre Arts will find this unique collection of twelve one-act plays ideally suited for classes in acting and directing. Most of the pieces are two-handers, some serious, some comedic. By design, the format is simple and flexible, allowing for effective classroom performances without sets or props, and with a minimum of stage business. Importantly, each play can also serve as the foundation for a variety of creative interpretations-an excellent starting point for classroom discussions and critiques. Beyond the classroom, the collection is a valuable resource for community theater and off-Broadway groups planning an evening of one-act plays. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when theaters went dark, there were live readings of each of these plays on Zoom. Filling the gap, this online medium attracted playwrights, actors and audiences worldwide,<em> </em>from Europe and North America-via South Africa-all the way to New Zealand. Melvyn Chase wrote these plays for readings on Zoom. As a special feature, this collection also includes Chase's full-length drama, "Home Bodies," which had a live reading in Paris.</p>