Thanks to its innovative storytelling, breathtaking special effects, and engaging characters, Star Trek has, for over 55 years, captivated the imaginations of generations of fans. But far more than a simple entertainment, Star Trek has long been cited as the inspiration for countless scientists, engineers, writers, artists, and, of course, astronauts, to enter and succeed in their chosen fields of study. Now, for the first time, the youngest Trekkie can explore strange new worlds and see the universe through a Starfleet Academy telescope.

A hilarious whodunnit about two kids trying to save the UK's top TV talent show from a mysterious saboteur! "Annoyingly good." - David Baddiel "Ivor is a funny, clever and brilliant writer, so it's no surprise that he's written such a funny, clever and brilliant book, which is also heartwarming and full of joy. The man's a marvel." - Dermot O'Leary "Kids are going to go crazy for this brilliant book!" "Ivor Baddiel tells a rip-roaring good story - pesky, gleeful and very funny"- Mel Giedroyc "This is a terrifically funny "whodunnit" children's book" - Peter Dickson (voice of the X Factor) Someone is threatening to destroy Britain's Biggest New Star, the country's favourite TV talent show. The secret service decides to send in two young spies, twins Harry and Abby, to investigate. Their ticket backstage is their father, washed up comedian Gus, who believes the contest is his chance to revive his career. The list of suspects is long, and the twins don't know whom to trust. But they better track down the culprit soon, before disaster strikes the show - and its royal guest! A fast-paced spy caper packed with laughs and surprising twists, from comedy writer Ivor Baddiel - someone who really knows backstage life on Britain's favourite talent shows! Perfect for fans of books by David Walliams and Tom Fletcher, and Maz Evans's Vi Spy. The cover and spine feature shiny gold lettering, and the book includes black and white illustrations throughout by James Lancett.

Travel back in time to find out what life was like before television. Historical photographs, helpful infographics, and a "Blast from the Past" special feature provide readers an engaging overview of ways people got news and entertainment before TV was invented.

Write in this magical fill-in book about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with an amazing squishy Harry on the cover! When Harry is eleven years old, he's sorted into Gryffindor house, where the brave and bold learn and hone their magic. Throughout the films, Harry proves that he's brave - like when he defeats Lord Voldemort in the quest for the Sorcerer's Stone, all the way through the epic cinematic Battle of Hogwarts. Fill in prompts, activities, and more in this fun-filled bravery-themed book. Learn how to draw Godric Gryffindor, the founder of Gryffindor house; write about the bravest thing you've ever done; and discover what you'd pull out of the Sorting Hat if you were in peril. This guided book also includes an adorably squishy Harry on the front cover! comes in a protective bag

Jason Momoa captivated audiences as DC's Aquaman. With compelling images, fun facts, and an Inside Hollywood special feature, this book provides an engaging overview of Momoa's life, acting career, and experience playing Aquaman.

When Lupita Nyong'o was a young girl, she didn't think she could be a famous actor. Now she is an Oscar winner. Learn more about her rise to stardom!

Structuring Drama Work is the only drama resource that explores 100 dramatic conventions and techniques and provides ideas for how to practise them. This book explains dramatic conventions and what they do, explores how dramatic techniques can be used, provides cultural connections and global contexts and includes examples of the techniques in the context of plays and texts. The compact size and simple format make this book convenient and easy to use. Suitable for IGCSE (R) students up to A Level, IB Diploma and beyond, this resource will give inspiration and ideas to students and save teachers valuable planning time by providing numerous examples in a global context.

This title introduces readers to Star Wars, covering its history, franchises and products, and worldwide impact. The title features engaging infographics, informative sidebars, vivid photos, and a glossary.

Find out how stage makeup is used in the performing arts. Discover how stage makeup differs from ordinary makeup. Learn how to use makeup for special effects, and what works for TV or film or the stage. Fancy a career as a makeup artist? Read about how you can train and what jobs there might be. Then read 'Who's the Best?' a story about a contest between two quarrelling makeup artists who find a way to find out who really is the best. Glitz! Glamour! Drama! Delve into the fantastic world of the performing arts with this book from the Starstruck series. A non-fiction section is followed by a fiction story on the same topic. Filled with striking photographs and illustrations, this book is ideal for any child who has an interest in an aspect of the world behind the stage curtain.

This title introduces readers to Disney, covering its history, franchises and products, and worldwide impact. The title features engaging infographics, informative sidebars, vivid photos, and a glossary.

Premiered at the National Theatre and winner of both the Olivier and Tony Awards for Best Play, Alan Bennett's The History Boys confronts issues of education, sexuality, and peer pressure through a group of boys preparing for their Oxbridge exams. Written specifically for Key Stage 4 students, this GCSE Student Guide offers a critical commentary on the text through an overview of the play and extensive analysis of themes, characters, contexts, dramatic technique, critical reception and related works. In addition, there is a section on how to write about the play, a glossary of dramatic terms and new interviews with Alan Bennett and the play's original director, Sir Nicholas Hytner. Throughout the guide are suggestions for activities and exercises pitched at the GSCE student, making this an indispensable resource for anyone studying the play at this level.

Drama, well-integrated into a curriculum, can bring empathy, excitement, expression and engagement into any lesson. This book will help teachers to work successfully with drama in their classroom in a rewarding, holistic way. Beginning with a consideration of what it means to be a drama teacher -- whether for one lesson or a whole touring production -- this comprehensive book guides teachers through the challenges and the details, starting from breathing exercises and ice-breaker games to finding the right play for your age group and all aspects of rehearsal and staging. Packed full of sensible, down-to-earth advice, helpful tips and funny stories based on Nell Smyth's extensive experience, this is an invaluable one-stop handbook. Throughout, this warm and practical book never forgets what truly makes a successful production -- a joyful, thriving child or teenager at the heart of it.

This collection features four urgent and explosive plays by award-winning playwright Evan Placey, each tackling issues facing young people today. They provide ideal material for teenagers to read, study and perform. Girls Like That explores the pressures caused by technology when a schoolgirl's naked photograph goes viral. Commissioned in 2013 by Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Theatre Royal Plymouth and West Yorkshire Playhouse, it has subsequently been performed by school and youth-theatre groups across the UK, at the Unicorn Theatre, London, and in the Houses of Parliament. It won the Writers' Guild Award for Best Play for Young Audiences. Banana Boys, published here for the first time, is about the challenges of being on the school football team - and secretly gay. It was commissioned and produced by Hampstead Theatre's heat&light company in 2010. In Holloway Jones, Holloway dreams of being a world-class BMXer, but she is held back by the tough reality of a parent in prison. Also making its debut in print here, the play was commissioned by Synergy Theatre Project, toured schools and the Unicorn Theatre in 2011, and won the 2012 Brian Way Award for Best Play for Young People. Finally, Pronoun is a love story about two childhood sweethearts dealing with the fact that one of them, Isabella, has now become a boy. As one of the plays in the 2014 National Theatre Connections Festival it proved enormously popular with youth theatres and college companies. 'Maybe change starts with plays like this' Lyn Gardner, Guardian, on Girls Like That

Introduces readers to the sport of dance. Simple text and colorful spreads make this book a perfect starting point for early readers.

Learn what it means to be a stand-up comic and discover the best places to perform. Find out about famous stand-up comics and their styles. Find out how to start on the road to a career in comedy. Then read the story 'Jess Terr's Funny Life', about how Jess, the college joker, turns the tables on her teacher. Glitz! Glamour! Drama! Delve into the fantastic world of the performing arts with this book from the Starstruck series. A non-fiction section is followed by a fiction story on the same topic. Filled with striking photographs and illustrations, this book is ideal for any child who has an interest in an aspect of the world behind the stage curtain.

Known as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time, Alfred Hitchcock's unique vision in movies like "Psycho" and "The Birds" sent shivers down our spines and shockwaves through the film industry. His innovative camera techniques have been studied for decades and his gift for storytelling cemented his place in history. Many directors make great movies, but the genius of Hitchcock helped make movies great. Learn how a chubby boy from London became the "Master of Suspense."

Community Shakespeare Company Editions make Shakespeare's plays instantly accessible to everyone, from children through Shakespeare-shy adults. These unique performance scripts, developed in a youth theater company, inspire student actors and captivate their audiences. Award-winning playwright Richard Carter delivers the best of the Bard in original verse adaptation. CSC Editions represent a dynamic model that can be used in schools, clubs, camps, and communities worldwide. With nearly thirty years experience working with young people, Carter is Artistic Director of the Community Shakespeare Company.* Its mission: "to enrich young lives and cultivate community, with theater as the means and Shakespeare the inspiration." (*www.communityshakespeare.org)

"This is to recommend Richard Carter with a full heart. We have enthusiastically shared many ideals and passions, especially regarding theatre by, with and for youngsters." -Lenka Peterson O'Connor, author: "Kids Take The Stage "(Backstage Books)

"I take my theatre very seriously and I know what I am talking about when I say that we are indeed blessed to have Community Shakespeare in our midst." -Kenneth W. Jenks: Director Emeritus, University of Utah Playwriting Program

"Having taught all over the world, I can imagine how excited teachers would be to have the opportunity to introduce a Shakespeare play to their students, knowing they would be able to grasp meaning and still retain the Shakespearian experience." -Ann H. Goss: Retired International School Teacher

From card tricks to reading minds, the art of magic lies in the magician's or illusionist's ability to deceive the audience. Read about the mysteries that lie behind some of the most spectacular magic tricks and illusions ever performed, including slight of hand, escapology, levitation, sword swallowing, and more!