Technical Theater for Nontechnical People

Here is help for actors, directors, stage managers, producers, and event planners who want to understand every aspect of technical theater—from scenery, lighting, and sound to props, costumes, and stage management.

In this thoroughly revised new edition, the popular guide firmly embraces the digital age with new content about digital audio, intelligent lighting, LED lighting, video projection, and show control systems, all explained in the same approachable style that has kept this book in the pockets of industry professionals for many years. A brand-new chapter on sound design has also been added, and every chapter has been updated with more information about the basics of theater technology, including draperies, lighting instruments, microphones, costume sketches, and more. This book teaches:

• Who’s who on a theatrical production team
• What is needed to know about technical theater and why
• What to look for when choosing a space for a show
• How to communicate with lighting, scenery, audio, and costume designers
• How to stage manage an effective show or presentation

Covering both traditional and digitally supported backstage environments, this book is an essential guide for working with every technical aspect of theater!

Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.

Drew Campbell has been in the entertainment business as a stage technician, designer, film lighting technician, director, and teacher for more than thirty years. He has run his own business as an industrial videographer and editor, has worked backstage on hundreds of productions, including drama, opera, dance, fashion shows, conventions, horse shows, and athletic events and has taught at San Francisco State University for seven years. He is the author of Technical Films and Television for Nontechnical People (Allworth) and lives in Los Angeles, California.