ABSTRACT

Now in its fourth edition, Illustrated Theatre Production Guide delivers a step-by-step approach to the most prevalent and established theatre production practices, focusing on essential issues related to the construction of wooden, fabric, plastic, and metal scenery used on the stage. 

Offering techniques and best-practice methods from experienced industry experts, this book allows readers to create a foundation on which to build a successful and resourceful career behind the scenes in theatre production. The new edition has been fully updated to include the latest technology and current practices, with four new chapters on Safety, Automation, Digital Fabrication, and the Production Process, and an emphasis on inclusivity and gender-neutral language.

A must-have resource for both the community theatre worker who must be a jack of all trades and the student who needs to learn the fundamentals on his or her own, Illustrated Theatre Production Guide covers all the necessities of theatre production through detailed lessons and hundreds of drawings.

The book also includes access to a companion website featuring instruction videos, tips for an eco-friendly production, and additional images and resources.

section Section One|22 pages

People and Process

chapter Chapter 1|14 pages

Working in the Theatre

chapter Chapter 2|6 pages

The Production Process

section Section Two|61 pages

The Theatre and its Equipment

chapter Chapter 3|4 pages

Thrust Theatres

chapter Chapter 4|4 pages

Black Box and Experimental Theatres

chapter Chapter 5|7 pages

Proscenium Theatres

chapter Chapter 6|14 pages

Curtains and Backdrops

chapter Chapter 7|7 pages

Ropes and Knots

chapter Chapter 8|14 pages

Theatre Rigging

chapter Chapter 9|9 pages

Arena Rigging

section Section Three|93 pages

The Scene Shop and its Equipment

chapter Chapter 10|6 pages

Shop Safety and PPE

chapter Chapter 11|21 pages

Hand Tools

chapter Chapter 12|18 pages

Shop Equipment

chapter Chapter 13|15 pages

Building Materials

chapter Chapter 14|31 pages

Hardware and other Essential Theatre Supplies

section Section Four|107 pages

Building Scenery

chapter Chapter 15|28 pages

Flats

chapter Chapter 16|16 pages

Platforms and Decking

chapter Chapter 17|13 pages

Stairs

chapter Chapter 18|22 pages

Metal Construction

chapter Chapter 19|11 pages

Construction Documents

chapter Chapter 20|6 pages

Digital Fabrication

chapter Chapter 21|9 pages

Scenic Machinery and Automation

section Section Five|81 pages

Stage Lighting

chapter Chapter 22|17 pages

Electrical Theory

chapter Chapter 23|13 pages

Power Distribution

chapter Chapter 24|14 pages

Lighting Control

chapter Chapter 25|22 pages

Photometrics and Instrumentation

chapter Chapter 26|13 pages

Hanging and Focusing

section Section Six|44 pages

Audio and Video

chapter Chapter 27|7 pages

Audio Theory

chapter Chapter 28|12 pages

Sound Reinforcement

chapter Chapter 29|11 pages

Digital Audio Files

chapter Chapter 30|12 pages

Video Projection for the Stage