Massasoit Libraries: Theatre Arts: Getting Started

Welcome to the guide for theater resources. This guide contains:

Getting Started

Cambridge Guide to Theatre
A book from Credo Reference that offers a wealth of information on the history and present practice of theatre in all parts of the world
The History of Theatre video From the Greeks to the present, this program explores the evolution of play structure, staging techniques, and acting styles. Viewers learn about the following innovations, movements, and artistic figures: the open air amphitheater and its central role in the work of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides; the use of the chorus and masks; the role of theater in ancient Roman society; morality and mystery plays in medieval England; the Italian Renaissance and the innovations of commedia dell’arte; James Burbage and London’s first permanent playhouse; Shakespeare and the Globe Theatre; the closing of London theaters in 1648 and their return under King Charles II; the naturalism of Chekhov and Ibsen; and Stanislavsky and Method acting.

Artemis (Gale Literature) This link opens in a new window
Content: summaries of short stories, novels, poems and plays, along with scholarly criticism regarding theme, setting, symbolism, and more.
Fine Arts (Gale OneFile) This link opens in a new window
Content: Provides access to scholarly journals and magazines that support research in areas including drama, music, art history, and film-making. Use the “document type” filter on the right to find theater reviews.