Studying Modern Drama provides students with a careful, step-by-step approach to tackling the entire field of modern plays from Ibsen to Sarah Kane and Patrick Marber. With discussions of the characteristics of modern drama, conventions and language and structure, the book also introduces a workshop method of exploring texts. The book is ideal as both a self-help or as a course book for theatre and drama students and provides practical help on criticism, essay writing and examinations.

'Its major strength for me lies in its clarity of tone and student-friendly, sympathetic 'voice'...I positively envy its clarity.' - Kate Malone Smith, Chester College of Higher Education

'As far as I know there is no competing text which offers this kind of help, with workshop exercises and advice on writing essays and answering examination questions. Its friendly and interactive style will be particularly helpful to students who find it difficult to know how to approach a play text.' - Professor Robert Wilcher, The University of Birmingham

Introduction
First Reading
What Can I Achieve in a First Reading?
Practical Workshops for Drama Study
Studying a Scene
Looking at the Language of Plays
Tackling Different Kinds of Plays
Making a Critical Response
Examinations and Essays
Suggestions for Further Study
Supplementary List of Suggested Plays for Study
Index

KENNETH PICKERING has successfully combined the careers of academic, playwright, author and theatre director. He has held a number of Senior Academic appointments in the UK and USA and has been Chief Examiner in Drama for several major Boards. His plays and musicals are widely performed and he is the author of fifteen books on aspects of drama.