Most Popular Books by James DeVita

Offering a fresh approach to ancient Greek architecture, Shaping Ceremony focuses on the overlooked subject of monumental steps. Written in a clear and readable style, the book presents three complementary ways of studying steps: examining how the human body works on steps; theoretical perspectives on the relationship between architecture and human behavior; and the socio-political effects of steps'' presence. Although broad steps are usually associated with emperors and political dominance, Mary B. Hollinshead argues that earlier, in Greek sanctuaries, they expressed and reinforced communal authority. From this alternate perspective, she expands the traditional intellectual framework for studying Greek architecture. The heart of the study is a close reading of thirty-eight sites with monumental steps from the sixth through second centuries B.C. Organized by century, the book tracks the development of built pathways and grandstands for crowds of worshippers as evidence of the Greeks'' increasing awareness of the power of architecture to shape behavior and concentrate social energy. With photographs and illustrations of plans, Shaping Ceremony offers a clear account of how Greeks'' adaptation of terrain for human use promoted social cohesion and integrated architectural compositions. "

In a world filled with sanctions and restrictions, Marena struggles to remember the past: a time before the Zero Tolerance Party murdered her mother and put her father under house arrest. A time before they installed listening devices in every home and forbade citizens to read or write. A time when she was free. In the spirit of her revolutionary mother, Marena forms her own resistance group—the White Rose. This is a chilling dystopian novel that leads readers to question the very essence of their identities. Who do you think you are?

Activated Monologues for Female Characters is a resource for actors filled with dynamic comedic and dramatic monologues from contemporary plays. There are endless discoveries to make as you craft them for auditions, study, and performance. Each monologue introduction includes a highlighted action as a springboard to approach the piece. Engaging prompts throughout the book offer helpful notes from the play, related monologues and works to explore, and exercises to develop performance. Best of all, every monologue includes a link to the play on the Stage Partners site, where you can read the entire script for free! Our playwrights have created unforgettable characters with surprising things to say. Now, all you have to do is activate them. Includes monologues from published plays by: Leah Barker James DeVita A.M. Dittman Kristen Doherty Peter Gil-Sheridan Patrick Greene Emily Hageman Min Kahng Finegan Kruckemeyer e.b. lee Jason Lemire Jon Jory Nina Mansfield Del Martin Maria McConville Carrie McCrossen Ian McWethy Rocco Natale Laura Neill Jason Pizzarello Adam Szymkowicz Werner Treischmann Claire Wittman Don Zolidis Activated Monologues for Male Characters is also available.

Before the myth, there was a girl. Two dramatizations on stage at the same time: the trials and tribulations of the historic young woman, Joan of Arc, and that of the very modern-day young woman, Beth. Drama Full-length. 75-90 minutes 7-20 actors

At the turn of the century, a remarkable teacher works each holiday season to bring the joy and magic of the holidays alive for her students and their families. But with World War I raging, a Scrooge-like principal, and an unruly band of students, the prospects of a joyous Noel this year seems very slim...until Miss Brown shares a new song she has just discovered in a London store - the song we''ve come to know and love as The 12 Days of Christmas. Drama Full-length. 60-70 minutes 10-20 actors

Playbook

Morgan is bored with his life. Nothing exciting ever happens in his house. He can calculate his parents'' daily routine to the exact minute. He feels old before his time, with nothing to look forward to but more boredom. Then one dreary Sunday, Morgan has a vision of a magnificent fish, a leaping marlin wild in the sea, a creature so free that it would rather die than be tamed. The dream (if dream it is) is so vivid, Morgan feels a shocking rush of strength and speed racing through his veins, smells the salt air, and tastes the electricity of an impending ocean storm. For one brief exhilarating moment, sitting in a cramped apartment on a city block where every building looks exactly like the next, Morgan is that marlin, and from that moment on, he begins to change. A comic Metamorphosis for kids, this poignant, gently humorous, and highly original tale by actor, playwright, and first-time novelist James DeVita is a tender testament to following one''s heart. Through a series of miraculous and sometimes ridiculous events, Morgan comes to understand that he has the power to be whatever he wants to be -- even a fish -- as long as he believes in himself.

London. Early 1600''s. The plague. Theaters are closed. Six Shakespearean characters, out of sorts (and work), meet at The Boar''s Head Tavern to ruminate about life, love, the pandemic -- their Author -- and the state of the world.