Technical Theater for Nontechnical People |  | Author: Drew Campbell
Publisher: Allworth Press
Category: Book
List Price: $19.95
Buy New: $11.59
as of 9/5/2010 05:28 CDT details
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Seller: allnewbooks
Rating:  14 reviews
Sales Rank: 11736
Media: Paperback
Edition: 2
Pages: 272
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.9
Dimensions (in): 8.7 x 5.9 x 0.7
ISBN: 1581153449
Dewey Decimal Number: 792.025
EAN: 9781581153446
ASIN: 1581153449
Publication Date: April 1, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| • | ISBN13: 9781581153446 | | • | Condition: New | | • | Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed |
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Product Description
This innovative resource has been completely updated to reflect state-of-the-art standards in today's fast-changing theater technology. Designed exclusively for nontechnicians in the field, this pioneering book helps actors, dancers, playwrights, and directors to understand every aspect of a traditional and digitally supported backstage environment, from scenery, lighting, sound to props, and stage management to the use of integrated show control systems. The new edition covers new technology that has become mainstream, such as computer-controlled lightning instruments and audio (including various new formats), software to build audio cues, and PC-based audio play-back systems. A new chapter discusses show control systems that allow theater directors to make informed choices on which software to choose (the book covers DMX, MIDI, and SMPTI) and how to communicate their needs to a programmer. A chapter on costumes has been added to improve the communication between theaters and the costume department or rental company, including a check-list with helpful questions. All facets of production are clearly explained in jargon-free prose, and unfamiliar terms are highlighted and defined in an appended glossary. Besides theater newcomers and professionals, the book has targeted advice for event planners working and show producers working in the convention business, fashion, real estate, sports, and politics, including a special chapter on "How to Do a Show in a Hotel." Written with clarity and humor, this is the definitive user's guide to developing the vocabulary and technical skills crucial to working with technicians and technical equipment in a timely, efficient manner.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 14
A Book Every Theater Person Should Own June 18, 2000
Kenton Couch (Overland Park, Kansas)
42 out of 43 found this review helpful
Simply put, this is the most helpful book on the technical side of theater I have ever read. Mr. Campbell is a rare individual. Although a technician, he has written a sympathetic and yet extremely informative book on lighting, sound, stage terminology, etc. The amount of really usefull information in the book is astounding. I am a high school drama teacher, and I think this book should be in the library of every theater teacher and theater student. No other book I've read so clearly explains the essentials one needs to know about the technical craft of theater. If you are a person who doesn't want a book where the author is trying to show what an expert he or she is and what an idiot you are, then Drew Campbell's book is just the one for you. He is an expert who understands his job is to help those of us who aren't. Bravo for this book. I hope Mr. Campbell keeps writing on theater. We can use his knowledge, wit, and empathy. Five stars for this book, and a few thrown in for the actor with glass in his butt telling jokes on the way to the hospital. Thanks for a great book.
at last...a dummies book for stage people June 27, 2000
17 out of 18 found this review helpful
Very practical and straightforward. An essential tool for anyone starting in theater as it discusses the very basic materials for survival in the trade. Theater old timers will also like the book for the numerous sample situations (anecdotes) included. The book went beyond academic and in fact, is more experiential in content. It's a balance blend of terminologies, systems and case studies.
The best primer in the biz August 22, 1999
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
This book is really a blessing to anyone trying to learn a little about everything in theater, or to folks trying to bridge the communication gap. The chapter that compares electricity to the Seattle Fish Market is classic! Every theater technician and artist should have a copy of this book in their personal library. Artists will have a concrete tool in communicating with technicians, and technicians will be able to better explain their art to the less technically minded.
This edition is great, but new edition is even better! April 14, 2005
J. Crawford
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful book, but did you know there's a revised 2004 edition available? Click on "Paperback (2nd)" so you can get the most updated information on this subject.
Better than... June 22, 1999
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
It's better than sliced Cheesballs! Really, I've spent a bunch of time trying to describe technical issues to non-tech people. I usually see their eyes glaze over in the first few moments. Mr. Campbell's book is a god-send.Kevin-John Black
Showing reviews 1-5 of 14
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