About
the Book:
Book of Sides II:
Original, Two-Page Scenes for Actors and Directors
is the second book in the Book of Sides series by Dave
Kost, featuring a
collection of original, two-page,
two-character scenes that you can use in the classroom to
improve the structure of your acting,
directing, and auditioning classes and workshops.
Looking for fresh, original
scenes for your fast-paced acting or directing class? Tired of the
same old material everyone recognizes? Want the flexibility to play
any character in any scene? While shorter than the traditional
three-to-six-page scenes commonly used in similar books, Book
of Sides II features longer
scenes than the first Book of Sides with greater character
development, more reversals, and stronger climaxes. Here you
will find scenes that are:
• Balanced, structured scenes designed specifically for
educational use challenge both actors and directors equally with
objectives, obstacles, tactics, and subtext.
• Two-page length is ideal for high-intensity exercises and
faster-paced workshops
• Printed in easy-to-read film-script format with plenty of room
for notes.
• Scenes are completely original and unencumbered by copyright,
so students may film and post legally on the internet.
• Universally castable, so all roles can be played by actors of
any gender, appearance, skill level, or ethnicity.
• Simple and conducive to performing in the classroom without
props, costumes, or sets.
• Perfect for audition workshops and crowded directing or acting
classes where everyone wants an opportunity to perform.
• Written in accessible, contemporary language that keeps
student actors engaged, helping them to focus on the fundamentals of
performance and directing.
Don't miss out! In Book of Sides II, author and
educator Dave Kost brings more than two decades of teaching
experience to the table to deliver the ideal set of scenes for busy
classroom settings, auditions, and general training. Never search for
scenes again!
What people say:
"Anyone
sick of those tired and done-to-death acting scenes will welcome Dave
Kost's terrific new
collection of bright, edgy, often emotional scenes. Fresh gems for
classes and auditions." — John Badham, film
professor and film and television director, Saturday Night Fever; War
Games; Stakeout
"Always
smart, layered and compelling, these scenes are perfectly suited for
teaching actors and directors learning to work with actors – with
the flexibility to lean toward drama, comedy, or mystery, these
scenes offer a deep dive into character nuance and a depth of
conflict that serves the exploration of staging and visual
storytelling." — Andrew
Wagner, Professor, American Film
Institute; Director, Starting Out in the Evening, Breakable You
"Dave Kost has
developed a one-of-a-kind resource for instructors: short scenes with
actual substance. This book is ideal for training actors and
directors, with rich material for classroom scene work, auditions or
cold readings, and on-camera work. Book of Sides
is invaluable and unparalleled." — Andrew Papa,
Actor, Assistant Professor, University of Detroit Mercy
About the Author:
Dave Kost is currently a
professor at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media
Arts where he teaches filmmaking. He has made over a dozen varied,
award-winning short films that have been featured in festivals and on
television around the world. At Chapman, he also formed the first BFA
degree of its kind in Screen Acting: an interdisciplinary degree
offered between Chapman's theater and film departments.