Fragile Magic: A Guidebook for Theatre Respondents - Softcover

Ronald A. Willis is Professor Emeritus of Theatre and Film at the University of Kansas, Lawrence.

Ron Willis sets out his purpose—that this book is a discussion of theory and practice of theatre response—and accomplishes exactly that from a descriptive, not prescriptive, point of view. It is clean, fresh, inspiring and should be required reading each and every time a person is selected to respond to productions. I either learn something new each time I return to a chapter or continue to gain an appreciation for my role as a theatre respondent.
Finally, teaching artists nationwide can retire their dog-eared, coffee-stained, over-xeroxed copies of Ron Willis’ advice to the theatre respondent. Grateful generations have been guided by his generous and incisive mentoring on the art (and true craft) of offering productive critical feedback to theatrical productions. At long last Fragile Magic!
Gregg Henry
Artistic Director, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

No one sets out to write a bad play, direct an emotionally lopsided production of Hamlet, design an inappropriate dress that defeats Nora’s story purpose or miss the character arc of Troy In Fences. And yet, when we’re called on to publicly remark
on the “fragile magic” of theatre, we’re often left to scramble for not only what to say, but how to say it in a way that is useful, supportive and productive. That is, until
Ron Willis’ Fragile Magic, an insightful, sensible guide for shaping your thoughts into helpful analysis.
Gary Garrison
Executive Director, The Creative Affairs of the Dramatists Guild

Ron Willis has written an intelligent, useful, even inspiring book. He answers questions, poses problems, and ignites our wonder all over again as we contemplate the effect of a theatrical event.
Julie Jensen
Playwright

Ron Willis sets out his purpose that this book is a discussion of theory and practice of theatre response and accomplishes exactly that from a descriptive, not prescriptive, point of view. It is clean, fresh, inspiring and should be required reading each and every time a person is selected to respond to productions. I either learn something new each time I return to a chapter or continue to gain an appreciation for my role as a theatre respondent.
Finally, teaching artists nationwide can retire their dog-eared, coffee-stained, over-xeroxed copies of Ron Willis advice to the theatre respondent. Grateful generations have been guided by his generous and incisive mentoring on the art (and true craft) of offering productive critical feedback to theatrical productions. At long last Fragile Magic!
Gregg Henry
Artistic Director, Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival

No one sets out to write a bad play, direct an emotionally lopsided production ofHamlet, design an inappropriate dress that defeats Nora s story purpose or miss the character arc of Troy InFences. And yet, when we re called on to publicly remark
on the fragile magic of theatre, we re often left to scramble for not only what to say, but how to say it in a way that is useful, supportive and productive. That is, until
Ron Willis Fragile Magic, an insightful, sensible guide for shaping your thoughts into helpful analysis.
Gary Garrison
Executive Director, The Creative Affairs of the Dramatists Guild

Ron Willis has written an intelligent, useful, even inspiring book. He answers questions, poses problems, and ignites our wonder all over again as we contemplate the effect of a theatrical event.
Julie Jensen
Playwright