Product Description

This invaluable guide takes a step-by-step approach to many common theater production practices and covers important issues related to the construction of wooden, fabric, plastic, and metal scenery used in stage plays.

Illustrated Theatre Production Guide contains a brief history of physical theatres and the development of various forms such as thrust, proscenium, and black box venues. Operation of theatre equipment is covered in detail in the chapters on rigging and curtains. Instructions for operating a fly system and basic stagehand skills such as knot tying and drapery folding, are clearly outlined. The use of metal tubing as a structural element is explored as an alternative to wooden scenery. The chapter on lighting discusses electrical theory as well as the practical aspects of hanging and focusing lights. The final chapter in Illustrated Theatre Production Guide is a compilation of many different projects that are easy to approach and to complete, and have practical value for a theatre group.

* Important building instructions for flats, steps, decking systems, doors, and windows are carefully detailed

* Includes special chapters devoted to hardware and shop supplies

* Over 700 hand-drawn, labeled illustrations of tools and techniques

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32403 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

From the Publisher
Illustrated Theatre Production Guide contains a brief history of physical theatres and the development of various forms such as thrust, proscenium, and black box venues. Operation of theatre equipment is covered in detail in the chapters on rigging and curtains. Instructions for operating a fly system and basic stagehand skills such as knot tying and drapery folding, are clearly outlined. The use of metal tubing as a structural element is explored as an alternative to wooden scenery. The chapter on lighting discusses electrical theory as well as the practical aspects of hanging and focusing lights. The final chapter in Illustrated Theatre Production Guide is a compilation of many different projects that are easy to approach and to complete, and have practical value for a theatre group.

About the Author
John Holloway is a tenured Associate Professor and Technical Director for the Theatre Department at the University of Kentucky. Mr. Holloway is an ongoing freelancer involved in designing, engineering, and constructing stage scenery for television and theatre. He has worked as a Technical Director for over 20 years, and has built scenery for over 100 plays, television shows, commercials, operas, and trade shows. Mr. Holloway is a longstanding member of the professional stagehands union, IATSE. He toured with the national touring companies of Grand Hotel, (Tony Award winner, 1989) The Will Rogers Follies, and Camelot. He also works as a rigger for rock concerts, and is a member of the USITT.

Customer Reviews

Eye opener
A very good look at stage craft management. Pleasingly
technical and to the point. Good stuff.

a few mistakes here and there
There are a few grammar and even mathematical mistakes in the book, but overall it does its job.

The Perfect Illustration
John Holloway's stagecraft textbook, "Illustrated Theatre Production Guide", is an excellent introductory text to basic scenery construction and stage work. The text is clear and succinct with carefully drawn illustrations providing instructions on the use and operation of stage equipment and the construction of useful scenic elements. Mr. Holloway's direct manner of writing makes the book very readable and easily accessible to students of theatre technology. The information included is thorough and very valid for any theatre program and the volume will prove to be a solid reference text for any technical theatre program. It has proven to be successful in the classroom and helpful to the beginning as well as the seasoned stage practitioner. The illustrations are particularly helpful in further clarifying scenery construction and operations. I recommend this text for any beginning or advanced stagecraft class.