Masterpiece Theatre | Learning Resources

Getting Started

Creating a Masterpiece Theatre Book & Film Club

Make sure multiple copies of the book are available. In order to allow enough time to read the book, have copies available at least four weeks before your group meets. A local bookstore may offer copies at a discount.
Publicize the book title, broadcast information, and discussion group times. (Read more about publicity.)
Make joining the club easy. Create many ways for people to sign up. Post sign-up sheets on your library's Web site; at the circulation desk; and at local businesses, churches, synagogues, schools, and community centers.
Get your community excited about the project. Hold a festive social event to kick off the campaign. For more suggestions, see the suggested activities for Our Town, Goodbye, Mr. Chips, and Doctor Zhivago.

Managing a Masterpiece Theatre Book & Film Club

Prepare for the meeting. Print out, photocopy and distribute the discussion questions, browse this site, and use the Resources section for further information.
Pick a leader. One person needs to run the discussion so the flow of ideas is focused and smooth, every group member has a chance to speak, and the logistics of the group are well organized. Some groups have one person (often a librarian) who performs the function of group leader. Other groups rotate this responsibility among the members.
Establish ground rules for the session. Be explicit about the group's expectations regarding punctuality, respecting one another, and choosing the group leader. Agreeing to a common set of expectations promotes a positive and respectful discussion. Put these in writing and distribute them to the group. Encourage members to attend each meeting of the group, whether or not they have completed the book and/or film. The reasons why someone may not have read the book or watched the film may make good fodder for conversation.
If you are the leader, remain as neutral as possible. You may enjoy the book or film and others may disagree. As the leader, your job is to ask provocative questions and not to take people's reactions personally.
Bring snacks! One way to extend the theme or setting of a title is to offer appropriate snacks, such as tea and raisin drop scones for Goodbye, Mr. Chips.

Logistics

Decide how big the group should be. Most successful discussion groups have approximately 8-12 members. Limiting the number of participants ensures that everyone will have an opportunity to participate each time you meet. If you plan a Community Reads project, set up several smaller groups that meet at different times.
Determine how often the group will meet. Masterpiece Theatre is broadcast nationally on Sunday nights. Consider meeting on Monday after each broadcast.
Pick a location to meet. Is there adequate space in the library? Is it okay to be a little noisy or serve refreshments there? If not, explore other venues in your community such as bookstores, coffee houses, or meeting rooms in churches or synagogues.
Decide how long the meetings will last. Many discussion groups find that meeting for an hour and a half is a comfortable amount of time.

Create and distribute Masterpiece Theatre Book & Film Club flyers and bookmarks. Ask your community partners or volunteers to help distribute the flyers by posting them around town -- schools, grocery stores, coffee shops, town hall, etc.
Set up a display in the library using copies of the book, videocassettes, and (if possible) a Masterpiece Theatre Book & Film Club desktop counter display or poster describing your book club.
Schedule an informational meeting for prospective members to learn about your Masterpiece Theatre Book & Film Club.
Place listings in the local newspaper calendar or event section.
Place on-air announcements on local cable, public, or commercial television stations. Ask stations to post information about the club in their program guides.
Ask partners to announce the Masterpiece Theatre Book & Film Club at their upcoming meetings and in their newsletters.

Note: If your group is enthusiastic and wants to continue meeting after you have discussed Our Town; Goodbye, Mr. Chips; and Doctor Zhivago, consider continuing with other Masterpiece Theatre productions (Upcoming Masterpiece Theatre productions).

Book & Film Club:
Book & Film Club Home | Introduction | Community Partners | Getting Started
The "Community Reads" Concept | Wakefield Reads...Our Town
Questions & Activities: Our Town | Questions & Activities: Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Questions & Activities: Doctor Zhivago | Behind the Scenes | Resources