The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information [Imitation Leather]

Paul Carter (Author), George Chiang (Illustrator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0911747397 | ISBN-13: 978-0911747393 | Publication Date: January 1, 1994 | Edition: 3rd

First published in 1988, Backstage Handbook is one of the most widely used stagecraft textbooks in the United States, with about 10,000 copies sold every year.

This handy reference book brings together under one cover an incredible variety of information useful to designers, technicians and students who work behind the scenes in theatre, film and television. Its sturdy leatherette binding will stand up to years of constant use.

The third edition updates this popular reference book with new terminology and materials, and adds dozens of new illustrations of grip hardware, film lighting equipment and painting tools. Backstage Handbook includes chapters on Tools, Hardware, Materials, Electrics, Shop Math, Architecture and Theatre. There are hundreds of illustrations, tables and charts which cover everything from the stock sizes and specs of wood screws, to safe working loads for several kinds of rope, to illustrations of twenty-two types of standard lamp bases.

Product Details

• Imitation Leather: 310 pages
• Publisher: Broadway Press; 3rd edition (January 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0911747397
• ISBN-13: 978-0911747393
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Theater

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent reference for the novice or professional!, August 16, 1999

By 

Joshua C. Allen ([e-mail]) (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information (Imitation Leather)

The Backstage Handbook covers and illustrates much extremely useful information pertaining to the theatre and releated industry. This book should be required reading by ALL college theatre majors - both design/technical and performance. The illustrated references make for easier learning when used in conjunction with hands-on instruction. If you do not own this book and are involved in the entertainment industry, you should purchase a copy right away! -Joshua C. Allen Lighting Design, New York, NY

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Standard in need of a new Printing, September 18, 2001

By 

J. P. Osnes "Omnia Libre" (Boulder, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information (Paperback)

I've used this book as a 'bible' for ten years. There is nothing like it. It is concise, exact and obviously created by actual working live production personnel. Paul Carter fills a much needed lack of reference material in the production field. The illustrations/drawings are more than worth the price of admission. It is most unfortunate that Paul is not here to create new editions. Please keep this in print!

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential to all students and practicioners of theatre, March 18, 2000

By 

Joe (Orlando, Fl) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information (Imitation Leather)

Quite possibly the best reference of it's kind, this book condenses the most commonly needed answers to the most commonly asked questions of technical theatre into a convenient volume. I keep it in my tool bag, and it has proved exceptionally useful. Carter has collected all those thing that you're bound to forget. Get a copy, keep it with your tools, and never have to go crazy trying to find the elusive bit of knowledge you seem to have suddenly forgotten!