A serious question

Yep; you thought you'd never see the day, but...

Anyone know any reputable bookstores that sell scripts? Be they second-hand or new, I'd like to compile a list of shops to peruse to build up a library of my very own.

Any good pointers?

Eliot

(ps: Jen and Davis think this should have gone on the Bulletin Board. Maybe they be right, but I think this one gets more action...)

Hey there Eliot

These may be an obvious one, but i know the Arcane bookshop in Perth just opposite the Brass Monkey, has quite a good range of scripts, plus books on preparing for auditions, searching for monologues etc.

There's also a second hand bookshop on Hay Street near Java Juice (sorry, I've forgotten the name) that has a pretty big section devoted to theatre and the performing arts. Plus a secondhand bookshop in Kalamunda, on Barber road, (this may be a bit out of your way) which also has a small but pretty cool selection of older scripts.

There's always the script section in the Alexander Library if you don't mind photocopies.

Cheers
Ben

The secondhand bookshop you refer to is, of course, Elizabeth's - they have three stores also in Fremantle, one in Subi, and one more in Perth, on Barrack street. Their theatre section is usually very good and I have found many a gem on their shelves.

I find one of the best places (aside from the Arcane) to get scripts is the Lane Bookshop in Claremont, down Old Theatre Lane. However, the scripts section in the store, which I would spend plenty of time gazing at on a weekly basis, seems to have moved, and I cannot find where they have relocated it to in the store. I am not willing to ask where they have moved it to, just in case they have deleted the section, which would be a great loss. They are particularly good for Shakespearean texts.

My favourite one, however, not so much for scripts as for theatre books, is Boffin's on Hay Street. They have large section devoted to the more technical sides of the business, with all of the works of such luminaries of our trade as David Mamet and Cicely Berry.

Happy book shopping (the greatest type of shopping there is!!)

Toby

Hi Eliot
If you just want to borrow scripts do not forget the ITA library. We also have a faily good library at home
George

Ok, sort of on the subject. I'm looking for a copy of 'The Collector' dunno who wrote it. It's about a guy who collects butterflies and then decides to collect a girl. I'd like to get my hands on it, if anyone has a copy or knows where I can get one.

Melissa

Melissa,

If it's the story by John Fowles, and I know dang well it is, we have a copy at home. Give us a call on 9291 3403

And thanks to all for responding with such eloquence to my query. I have known of and patronised these shops, although the Lane Bookshop is one I hadn't thought of- just wanted to see if there was an El Dorado out there.

Now if you'll excuse me. I'm off to re-score some cod Mozart for tomorrow...

Eliot

Toby-

The theatre section of The Lane is my second home, but when I discovered the section had moved, I actually asked where it was :P

Go into the shop, down the stairs, turn to the right, and its the second little "compartment" from the back... And the theatre books are right on the bottom shelves...Typical

Though there are nice little stools to sit on while you read all the plays you cant afford to buy...

"cod Mozart"? Practising your scales, El? Sounds fishy to me.

......I'll get me coat.

P.

Thou bawdy sheep-biting canker-blossom!

Where will it end, you cry???

One thing I've noticed over many years is the nullifying frequency with which some shows are done and re-done in a short period of time.

Whilst not accusing anyone of collusion or show-poaching, it DOES get boring for an audience member to hear of the same old tired shows being produced yet again.

Is there a way a list (or some other such means) can be made available to clubs around the traps as to which shows have been forwarded as submissions? This will at least let fellow groups know that their idea is shared by another group- it must surely be an annoyance to find the show you've paid for the rights for is being done six months later by another group.

I understand completely that obviously the ITA can't police or dictate what gets done by whom (well, D'UHHHH!)- but by the same token, can not the ITA at least advise groups of the possiblilty of duplication when it arises?

Eliot

Jenny,
He is getting boring. I think you better give him back his stash.
Dean

Melissa,

Funny you should mention 'The Collector', as it's one of my favourite novels. So much so that I actually started to adapt the novel to stage. So, I have a half written stage version of 'The Collector' floating around my harddrive somewhere.

However, more importantly, if you're thinking of doing a stage version of the brilliant book, there is actually a stage script in existence. It was adapted in the seventies, and I'm unable to tell you how good it is. However, I do know that were you to browse the internet you would probably be able to find a copy. A few years back I emailed a guy in America who was willing to send me a photocopy of the script for about fifteen dollars. So, although I can't help you by giving you an exact email address, you should be able to discover him if you look. I believe his first name was Bob, but I offer no promises.

However again, if you're simply looking for the book because you want to read it, you'll not regret it! It's an amazing book.

Angela.

Thanks Angela,
I got a copy of the book from Eliot (the man has EVERYTHING). The reason I was looking for a copy of the script is a company is doing it next year and I wanted to look it over before auditions. Did you know it's also a film? Planet video has it, but if you look your local probably does too.

Melissa