In The Crafty Art of Playmaking , this seminal guide from renowned playwright Alan Ayckbourn shares his tricks of the trade. From helpful hints on writing to tips on directing, this book provides a complete primer for the newcomer and a refresher for those with more experience. Written in Ayckbourn's signature style that combines humor, seriousness, and a heady air of sophistication, The Crafty Art of Playmaking is a must-have for aspiring playwrights, students of drama, and anyone who has ever laughed their way through one of Ayckbourn's plays. “...a practical and disciplined look...After 44 years at his profession, Ayckbourn knows what he's talking about.” ― Lloyd Rose, Washington Post Book World “...amusing, thought-provoking, and helpful in turn...his experiences are well worth the price of the book.” ― Susan L. Peters, Library Journal “...an entrancing read-no matter what part you play in playmaking.” ― Dany Margolies, Back Stage “...a polished gem of theater lore...” ― Publishers Weekly Annex “The New York Times on Alan Ayckbourn's recent House and Garden: As ingeniously constructed a work as the contemporary theater has to offer... House and Garden does justice not only to Mr. Ayckbourn's miraculous engineering but to his lightly astringent, not quite farcical humor as well. ” ― The New York Times Alan Ayckbourn was born in 1939 and has over seventy plays and productions to his name. He worked all over the world but has focused on the West End where he has also run his own theatre company. Major successes include, Absurd Person Singular ( 1975), a black comedy often considered his most perfect work. It was first performed in 1972 at the Stephen Joseph theatre, Scarborough, where Ayckbourn was artistic director between 1972 and 2009. Other plays include: Bedroom Farce (1975), the title of a two-act comedy, first performed in 1977 at the National Theatre; Just Between Ourselves (1976); Way Upstream (1982); A Chorus of Disapproval (1984); Woman in Mind (1985); A Small Family Business (1987); Man Of The Moment (1988); House & Garden (1999); and Private Fears in Public Places (2004). He has won many awards including seven Evening Standard awards as well as a Tony in 2009 for best revival for The Norman Conquests .