Janet Neipris Livres

A sophisticated, contemporary comedy about a single woman in her fifties who plans a romantic retreat to France, but is thwarted when her three grown daughters boomerang home unexpectedly, with their partners and agendas in tow. "Neipris gives us real characters in this gently funny play, consistently amusing without being stuffed with one-liners." -Tucson Weekly "In the play's often hilarious dialogue, tinged with the harsh bite of reality, one daughter reminds us, 'Home is that place where, when you go there, they have to take you in.' In today's society of overachievers, everybody is determined to keep moving up. Nobody wants a home with roots. Like sharks, we have to keep moving just to stay alive." -Tucson Citizen "You won't forget that you laughed. Plenty ... And if you are among the 22 million with grown kids at home, Lord knows you could use something to laugh about." -Arizona Star

Focusing on the craft of dramatic writing, this comprehensive masterclass covers theatre, film, and TV over 14 weeks, guiding writers from initial concepts to a polished first draft and rewrite. The book includes both new insights and revised content, providing a structured approach that encourages creativity and skill development for aspiring dramatists.

Exploring diverse themes, this collection features three full-length plays. In "A SMALL DELEGATION," three American professors navigate cultural differences in China just before the Tiananmen Square protests. "ALMOST IN VEGAS" delves into the complexities of Margie's desire for a child amid her affair with a married man. Meanwhile, "THE AGREEMENT" presents a comedic take on a couple's chaotic and humorous division of their assets during a divorce, fueled by their lawyers' encouragement.

Focusing on the craft of playwriting, this guide blends memoir with practical advice, offering aspiring playwrights essential tools and techniques. It provides insights into the creative process, making it a valuable resource for those looking to hone their skills in writing for the stage.

A Masterclass in Dramatic Writing addresses all three genres of dramatic writing - for theatre, film and TV - in a comprehensive, one-semester, 14-week masterclass for the dramatic writer. Including new material alongside revised, extended selections from Janet Neipris' original and much loved book To Be A Playwright, this volume takes the writer up to a first draft and rewrite of a dramatic work. The fourteen chapters, organized like a semester, guide the writer week-by-week and step-by-step to the completion of a first draft and a rewrite. There are Weekly Exercises and progressive Assignments. Chapters include Beginnings, Creating Complex Characters, Dialogue, Escalating Conflicts, Endings, Checkpoints, Comedy, and Adaptation. For professional writers, teachers, and students, as well as anyone who want to complete their first piece. An award winning playwright and Professor of Dramatic Writing at NYU, Janet Neipris has written for Screen and Television. She has also taught dramatic writers at UCLA and in China, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, Italy, and in the UK at Oxford, CSSD, University of Birmingham, and the University of East Anglia. Previous publications include To Be A Playwright (Routledge 2006). Janet Neipris's plays and letters are in the Theatre Collection of Harvard University's Houghton Library.