Author. Speaker. Improv Coach.

For Teachers

School Visits & Personal Appearances
I’ve been many things —
Mime, Actor, Director, Voice-Over artist, Improv Coach and now, Writer!

I have a variety of programs to offer. Talks, Workshops, readings and more.

I am available to come to your school, bookstore, book club, Comic Convention or social gathering.

To schedule an event with me,
Send Mail with the heading “Personal Appearance Request”

What I offer:

Books: Reading and Q&A
Talks on show business, writing, voice-over, improvisation and/or my personal story
Performances with some fun poetry, stories and interactive games.
Theater Games sessions with kids, adults or any combination.
Playing games is a great experience and no skill is needed.
Souvenir Photos & Autographs and Book Signings

Here are some sample questions that might be appropriate for comprehension.

 

Part 1:

Choose the best answer for each question

1) What does James think about himself?
a. He’s popular
b. He’s handsome
c. He’s a rotten kid
d He’s not as bad as his mother thinks

 

2) What does James do to fit in?
a. Tries not to be noticed
b. Have a lot of friends
c. Is mean to his classmates

 

3) What kind of person is James’ mom?
a. Happy
b. Sad
c. Angry

 

Part II: The Realm of Possibility

1) Mayor Culpa is
a. Someone dressed like a goat
b. A sheep
c. A Mayor
d. A Scapegoat

 

2) Roget and Kiljoy are
a. An optimist and a pessimist
b. Partners
c. Tourists in the Realm of Possibility
d. All of the above

 

3) What happens when James thinks he can’t do something and gives up?
a. He is visited by the shadow
b. He is relieved
c. He is returned home
d. Nothing

 

4)   What is a pessimist?
a. Someone who expects the worst
b. A sensible person
c. A happy person
d. A monster

 

5) Where is Average?
a. In North America
b. On another planet
c. In the middle of the Realm
d. On Lake Inferior
e. High in the mountains

 

6) The Nervous Nellies are
a. A fierce tribe of warriors
b. Helpful and friendly
c. Cannibals
d. Super confident
e. Believe whatever you tell them and worry about it.

 

7) The Ninnies are
a. A fierce tribe of warriors
b. Smart and clever
c. Cannibals
d. Super confident
e. Believe whatever you tell them

 

8) Alisatair, King of the Ninnies tells lies because
a. He is dishonest
b. He wants you to be impressed and like him
c. He can’t help it
d. He thinks it’s funny
9) Nobbling
a. Is a nice place to live
b. Is filled with people who flatter you
c. The capitol of Average
d. A ghost town

 

Would you trust this man?gladhand

Why?
Who is this?

His name is__________________________________

 

 

10) Uppity
a. Is a gated community of snobs
b. Is above average
c. Is a camp for tall people
d. Is part of Accusia
e. Home to King Onus

 

11) Accusia
a. Blames everyone for everything
b. Is home to King Onus the Great
c. Has a huge dungeon
d. Uses Dirt Miners to tattle on everyone
e. All of the Above

 

12)   The Eurekans
a. Are miners of ideas and notions
b. Helpful and friendly
c. Dwarves
d. Above Average
e. All of the Above

 

13) Epiphany (check all that are true)
a. Is a myth
b. Hard to find without using jumping from the Leap of Faith
c. A small village
d. A place to swim
e. Where you can discover unknown truth

 

14) Ah-Ha and the Shadow
a. Are the same person
b. Are both not real
c. James’ teacher and his personal demon

Part III: Characters : Things to think about and talk about

  1. James wants what other kids want. Like what?
  1. James’ mom blames James for her troubles. What are her troubles?
  1. What do you think the little bird represents in the story?
  1. Mayor Culpa is a scapegoat. What does he want and how does he help James?
  1. Monsieur Roget and Kiljoy represent two different attitudes. What are they?
    1. Why are they friends?
    2. What happens when one does not have the other?
    3. Can you be too optimistic? Is it wrong to worry about things?

6.      Who is King Norman? And how is he like James?

  1. Jerome is a lot like James. How? How is he different?
  1. Why does Marie not want to go back to her father?
  1. What do Gladhand and Gilroy represent? Do you know people like that?
  1. Onus is a spoiled brat. Do you think he’s happy? Why?
  1. Who or what is the Shadow?
  1. When does the shadow appear?
  2. Why is it after James? What does it want?
  3. Why does James not recognize it? Or does he?
  4. When the shadow turns into a monster it assures James it can protect him. Protect him from what? How?

12.  Who are your favorite characters? What makes them your favorite?

 

Part IV: Landmarks: Things to think about and talk about.

Write a story about your visit to:

  1. Average
  2. Appathia
  3. Lake Inferior
  4. The Flatterlands
  5. Accusia
  6. Uppity
  7. Serenity
  8. Eureka
  9. Envia
  10. Hearsay

 

What other places could be in the Realm of Possibilities?

Other Places Above Average?

 

Other Places Below Average?

Extra Ideas

What are Puns?

 

What is a Metaphor?

 

What are some of the Puns in King of Average?

 

What are some of the metaphors in the story?

 

 

Cliché phrases. “A little birdie told me.” “Keeping up with the Joneses” “Curiosity killed the cat.” “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.” What is a cliché?

[/one_half_last]

 

 

 

The King of Average is his first novel. To learn more visit:

Blog: https://gary-schwartz.com/

Acting Blog: http://www.improv-odyssey.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/improvmaven

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garyschwartz.writer

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/improvodyssey/

Goodreads Author Page:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14203127.Gary_Schwartz

 

*Find the Book*

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25998681-the-king-of-average