Encountering Ensemble (Performance Books) - Softcover

Encountering Ensemble draws attention to the reality that ensemble invites and demands from practitioners, students and audience members alike ... For students, practitioners, educators and researchers who are interested in understanding the extent to which ensemble theatre has contributed, and can continue to contribute, towards the purpose and practice of theatre in contemporary society, this book is invaluable. * South African Theatre Journal * This welcome contribution to performance studies provides a rich and significant resource for students, teachers and practitioners. -- Jayne Richards * Studies in Theatre and Performance * A thoughtful, practical guide that celebrates ensemble as an intersection of historical knowledge shaping the relationships we craft both with one another and the audience. -- Rebecca Hewett * Theatre Topics *

Encountering Ensemble, is a text for students, teachers, researchers and practitioners who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the history, conceptual foundations and practicalities of the world of ensemble theatre. It is the first book to draw together definitions and practitioner examples, making it a cutting edge work on the subject. Encountering Ensemble combines historical and contemporary case studies with a wide range of approaches and perspectives. It is written collaboratively with practitioners and members from the academic community and is divided into three sections: 1. Introduction and an approach to training ensembles 2. Practitioner case studies and analysis of specific practical approaches to training ensembles (or individuals in an ensemble context) 3. Succinct perspectives from practitioners reflecting on a range of questions including: What is an ensemble?; the place of ensemble in the contemporary theatre landscape; and training issues.