Novel and Blog Launched for Teen Theatre-Lovers

Nov. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Building on the popularity of Glee and High School Musical, author S.M. Stevens today launched Bit Players, Has-Been Actors and Other Posers, one of the first novels written for teens who love theatre. (ISBN-13: 978-1466434127)

“Amazingly, there are not a lot of books or other resources out there for high school students who love to perform,” explained Stevens. “This novel, hopefully the first in a series, takes readers into the fascinating, emotional and political world of a high school drama club. Readers who already perform will recognize the characters and emotions involved in putting on a show. Readers who don’t understand this world will finally have a view into it,” Stevens said.

In addition to the novel, a companion website and blog have been launched at http://www.BitPlayers.me, as have Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BitPlayersEtc) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/bitplayers) pages. Using these social media, teens can not only learn about the book, they can connect with other teen theatre buffs. “Ask other teens for pre-audition advice, post a video from your favorite performance, or write a review of the book. The sky’s the limit,” Stevens said.

Taking advantage of technology, the e-book contains YouTube links for songs referenced in the novel, so readers can listen to the music while they read, if their device allows this. Paperback readers can access the songs via www.BitPlayers.me.

The 230-page novel is available as a paperback on www.BitPlayers.me and Amazon.com for $6.99. It is available for download on Kindle, iPad, iPod, PC, Mac and other devices through Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.fr and Amazon.de, for $4.99.

Book Summary -- Theatre-lover Sadie Hawkins is on a quest for an elusive lead role in the school play as the Crudup High School drama club makes its own musical out of Twilight. Intrigue abounds. Why does Sadie’s rival Lucey really get the role of Bella? What’s behind foreign exchange student Nigel’s interest in high school theatre? And where does the show’s director, Mr. Ellison, disappear to three days before opening night? With everything falling apart, can the cast even pull off the show?

Author Background -- S.M. Stevens wanted to be a star, but didn’t have the lack of inhibition or abundance of self-confidence to make it to the top (of her high school drama program). Still, she stayed involved in school, university and community theatre in various roles, including performing, working backstage, and front-of-house jobs. Today, her two teens wear the thespian mantle for the family.