Product Description

This book provides the theater technician with a foundation in structural design allowing an intuitive understanding of why sets "stand up". It introduces the basics of statics and the study of the strength of materials as they apply to typical scenery, with a minimum of theory and many examples. The material is presented such that only a basic knowledge of algebra, geometry and trigonometry is required. This useful text is also invaluable to professionals as a permanent handbook complete with carefully selected reference tables, which are applicable to most theatrical situations.


Traditionally, theatrical design and carpentry are rooted in a craft-based tradition that places a high value on empirically tested techniques; in other words, if it was done that way for a show and nothing fell down, then that's the way it will be done.

Many scenic construction examples with a "how-to" approach
Material organized around one hour lessons with additional problems following each lesson and answers to the even numbered ones in an appendix
Three appendices with reference and design values for common shapes and sizes of lumber, plywood and steel used in theatrical applications

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #181817 in Books
• Published on: 1999-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

Review
"The first book to reach well beyond traditionally available stagecraft texts and present a systematic approach to structural design using methods consistent with those in the field of engineering." - Fritz Schwentker, Theatre Journal, May 2000

"Holden and Sammler are successful in providing what they state as the purpose for this book. That is, a "firm foundation in structural engineering allows a technical designer to explore viable alternatives as well as providing paradigms of thinking about structural systems." - Fritz Schwentker, Theatre Journal, May 2000

"This book succeeds well in teaching how to understand the design choices, and it is this along with curiosity, experience and the accumulated knowledge of the technical designer that are the building blocks to truly understanding theatrical structures." - Fritz Schwentker, Theatre Journal, May 2000 -- Review

An excellent resourse to teach the physics of structures to tech theatre students. It covers the parts of structural engineering that pertaining to theatre without getting too far from the practical aplication. (Tom Davis, U of Florida) A unique text that fills a long-standing void. (Henry Grillo, NC School of the Arts)

Review
An excellent resourse to teach the physics of structures to tech theatre students. It covers the parts of structural engineering that pertaining to theatre without getting too far from the practical aplication. (Tom Davis, U of Florida)

A unique text that fills a long-standing void. (Henry Grillo, NC School of the Arts)

From the Publisher
Traditionally, theatrical design and carpentry are rooted in a craft-based tradition that places a high value on empirically tested techniques -- in other words, if it was done that way for a show and nothing fell down, then that's the way it will be done.

Customer Reviews

two thumbs up!
this book contains just enough theory and math to get an idea of load ratings for various things you build for the stage. very well done. it's college level, but assumes nothing.

NIce try, but not enough attention to detail
This book does a nice job of attempting to simplify engineering theories and practices for theatrical Technical Directors. Unfortunately, in an attempt to make it palatable, the authors often get very convoluted in their explanations. We have also found that the solution appendix has several wrong answers in it.

I would definately wait for a second edition. Rumor has it though that a second edition is not in the foreseeable future.

For the Professional
If you are a technical director looking to improve your knowledge base and are committed to protecting the people who rely on your decisions, this book is invaluable. If you have ever looked at the Timber Construction Manual, you know that building safe structures is a very complicated process. This book is built on the fundamental principles that allow professionals to build structures like the Sears Tower and the Empire State Building. It coalesces those ideas and applies them to scenery construction. It allows TD's to learn how to make informed decisions regarding the scenery they build. It is not for the faint-hearted. There is math involved. And it can be easy to get lost in the calculations. But, if you stick to it, the benefits are far reaching; from knowing that you have done your job well, to instilling confidence in those people who put their lives into your hands. Any serious TD must understand the principles that this book imparts. You owe it to yourself and the people with which you work. This book is the first to take difficult principals and make them accessible to everyone, not just those with engineerings degrees.