Listmania!
Books for the theater tech
By an Amazon.com customer
Careers in Technical TheaterCareers in Technical Theater by Mike Lawler
Buy new: $13.57 / Used from: $12.05
This is my book, so I won't pat myself on the back too much. Suffice it to say, it has a lot of good info about tech theater in it, and a ton of useful resources. www.mikelawler.com
Technical Theater for Nontechnical PeopleTechnical Theater for Nontechnical People by Drew Campbell
Buy new: $13.57 / Used from: $8.98
Drew Campbell has a diverse background in the entertainment industry, and he certainly knows his stuff. This book is great for both technical and nontechnical people.
The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical InformationThe Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information by Paul Carter
Buy new: $22.00 / Used from: $62.66
Simply put, the Bible of tech theater. Anyone who participates in it, or wants to, should own this book.
The Costume Technician's Handbook 3/eThe Costume Technician's Handbook 3/e by Rosemary Ingham
Buy new: $42.30 / Used from: $36.96
An invaluable resource for costumers--whether you're a designer, draper, shop manager, first hand, or a stitcher.
The Business of Theatrical DesignThe Business of Theatrical Design by James Moody
Buy new: $17.95 / Used from: $8.97
An important book for designers in the theater. Making a living in theater is not easy, and this book helps designers understand the business side of their work.
Pocket RefPocket Ref by Thomas J. Glover
Buy new: $10.36 / Used from: $7.39
Holy cow, does this book have a lot of information crammed between its covers. And it really does fit in your pocket. If you need an answer, and you're not near a computer with the Internet, look no further than Glover's Pocket Ref.
Stage Rigging Handbook, Third EditionStage Rigging Handbook, Third Edition by Jay O. Glerum
Buy new: $26.55 / Used from: $30.99
Finally, in 2007, an updated version of this vital text on rigging. Rigging is not to be taken lightly, and this book is a useful resource for the novice rigger as much as the seasoned vet.
The Health & Safety Guide for Film, TV & TheaterThe Health & Safety Guide for Film, TV & Theater by Monona Rossol
Buy new: $14.96 / Used from: $8.32
Monona Rossol is the health and safety guru for the arts in America. She travels the country giving seminars and workshops on how to make the lives of artists safer, and less toxic. This book is a seriously important one for theater managers and educators. If you are a theater artist of any kind, especially a technician, BUY THIS BOOK.
Stage Management (8th Edition)Stage Management (8th Edition) by Lawrence Stern
Buy new: $71.10 / Used from: $68.95
This is the 8th edition of the original textbook on the art of stage management. Stern published his first version in 1974, I believe, while many of the authors of newer SM books were in kindergarten. The 8th edition was published in 2005.
Making Stage Props: A Practical GuideMaking Stage Props: A Practical Guide by Andy Wilson
Buy new: $23.10 / Used from: $23.46
A good book for those interested in the techniques of professional prop artisans.
Special Effects Make-UpSpecial Effects Make-Up by Janus Vinther
Buy new: $26.95 / Used from: $25.38
If you like FX makeup, and especially if you like blood and gore, this is the book for you. Be warned: it has its share of grim photos.
Stock Scenery Construction : A HandbookStock Scenery Construction : A Handbook by Bill Raoul
Buy new: $22.00 / Used from: $21.25
A solid book on scenic construction techniques, and a needed reminder of the idea of stock scenery in a time when reducing waste could not be more important.
Handbook for Sound Engineers, Third EditionHandbook for Sound Engineers, Third Edition by Glen Ballou
Buy new: $82.75 / Used from: $62.98
A good text for learning and improving sound engineering skills.
Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, Broadcast, and EntertainmentAutomated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light in Theatre, Live Performance, Broadcast, and Entertainment by Richard Cadena
Buy new: $44.05 / Used from: $47.71
If you are interested in lighting, and want to pursue it professionally, this is a must have book. Lighting equipment and technology continues to grow more complex and up-and-coming electricians and programmers must know their stuff. This book will help you learn it.
Wigs and Make-up for Theatre, TV and FilmWigs and Make-up for Theatre, TV and Film by Patricia Baker
Buy new: $89.95 / Used from: $59.98
The title says it all.
Scenic Art for the Theatre, Second Edition: History, Tools, and TechniquesScenic Art for the Theatre, Second Edition: History, Tools, and Techniques by Susan Crabtree
Buy new: $41.35 / Used from: $36.60
This book is the go-to book for scenic artists, especially those still learning the trade. Full of useful information, Beudert and Crabtree have written and revised this book to be the be all, end all of scenic painting texts.
Greening Up Our Houses: A Guide to a More Ecologically Sound TheatreGreening Up Our Houses: A Guide to a More Ecologically Sound Theatre by Larry K. Fried
Buy new: $22.50 / Used from: $34.98
Though a bit dated, this book is nothing short of vital to the future of theater--the sustainable future--and each and every technician, designer, manager, and artisan owes it to the the theater, and future generations to be familiar with its message and the practical guidance it holds.
Technical Design Solutions for Theatre (The Technical Brief Collection, Volume 1) (The Technical Brief Collection)Technical Design Solutions for Theatre (The Technical Brief Collection, Volume 1) (The Technical Brief Collection)
Buy new: $40.73 / Used from: $46.21
The folks at Yale have already done a lot of the work for us, and with this and the second volume they have compiled their best solutions for all kinds of tech theater dilemmas.
Technical Design Solutions for Theatre (The Technical Brief Collection, Volume 2) (The Technical Brief Collection)Technical Design Solutions for Theatre (The Technical Brief Collection, Volume 2) (The Technical Brief Collection)
Buy new: $40.73 / Used from: $34.98