The Drama Book Shop presents, in association with Jay Michaels Global Communications, a series of discussions with prominent authors in the arts world. Just prior to Valentine’s Day, Christine McClure and her new book, “Drama For Teen Actors” will be featured. Tuesday, February 13 · 7:30 – 8:30pm EST, Ms. McClure will share the journey of six professional teenage actors as they study drama in an eight-week course. The Drama Book Shop is located at 266 West 39th Street New York City.
RSVP HERE

What is your philosophy on the spoken word vs the written word?

I learned for non-fiction writing there is a difference in a lot of ways between the spoken word and the written word. The big shock came when I began work with a very talented editor, John Robert Marlow of The Editorial Department here in the US, Ross Browne’s company. When John sent me a sample copy of his edit, I realized that I needed a lot of help to make the written word work. Speaking, I am looking at someone and I can see by their reactions. If they don’t understand me, I can see that and explain things again until the person listening understands. Especially with teaching, in classes I find I need to say things in different ways, knowing that the actors are at all different levels of training so what I say once might need more explaining. But with writing, I learned an idea needs to be clearly expressed on the page from the beginning, and in one way so that my writing isn’t convoluted; I need to define an exercise before it was demonstrated so people understand why something was being acted; to describe the room without making shortcuts so the reader can visualize where the actors are; to make sure I’m writing for the young actors in their voices; and to keep my teaching language “everyday” like we all talk and not use acting school language that might be too specific to one school of acting. Doing all of that I can communicate to multiple people. What I also learned is that writing is an art form and needs to be studied. I kept saying to myself and to my editor, John, I should’ve studied at college and got a university degree in creative writing to write this book! But I persisted with my editor and followed his direction. After that I had a copy editor check that my corrections flowed with what John had asked me to do. When I read bits from the book now, I am very happy with the ease at which I can read it, and the clarity of what I am expressing. But I needed an editor!!

On that note, how much do you take into account the possibility of a stage play or film of your work when you write? 

My acting students are making movies, streaming and TV shows, so the work from the book shows itself on screen in their work, and in the future for all young actors who want to do the acting work written about in this book. Presently I can count at least thirty (30) series plus movies on the streaming channels, commercial TV, and in the cinema, where my students and ex-students are appearing. I have close to a thousand (1000) titles I have coached on over the years. It is fabulous to see the actors on screen. My heart melts when I watch the actors growing up and growing into wonderful, loved, screen characters. Not all actors will use everything I teach and or write about, in the end actors find their own way, but I hope their studies with me contribute to that.

What’s the next project? 

My aim is to continue the work I love – working with actors, coaching and teaching. I can’t think of a book I want to write at this stage. Perhaps later, I don’t know.  But I love the fact I am older, wiser, and have lots of experience, and I can pass that on to the younger generation of actors who love to act and act for their profession. I find I am having reunions with many of my dedicated acting students and catching up on their careers in the screen industry. The fact that I am still around to help – it’s just great!