Illustrated Theatre Production Guide [Paperback]

John Holloway (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240804937 | ISBN-13: 978-0240804934 | Publication Date: April 9, 2002 | Edition: 1

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

Editorial Reviews

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.

From the Back Cover

This new and fully updated edition of the Illustrated Theatre Production Guide takes a step-by-step approach to the most common and popular theatre production practices, covering important issues related to the construction of wooden, fabric, plastic, and metal scenery used on the stage. This book examines theatres and their equipment, tools and materials, and scenery construction, as well as the principles of electricity and implementation of a lighting design. New additions include:

* Hundreds of unique hand-drawings that illustrate lessons, giving detailed, dimensional instruction * New chapters on stage management and electrical theory as it relates specifically to stage lighting * Completely revamped chapters on metal frame construction and the practice of entertainment lighting covering DMX signals, dimmer mechanics, power distribution, digital lighting * Eco-friendly tips on how to reuse and recycle props and set material * Multiple do-it-yourself projects and practice problems *Companion website with a solutions manual and how-to videos that give an exclusive visual on crucial backstage tasks such as properly tying knots, building a chandelier, and constructing an outdoor stage

Illustrated Theatre Production Guide, Second Edition offers techniques and best-practice methods from an experienced industry expert, creating a foundation on which to build a successful and resourceful career behind the scenes in theatre production.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (April 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240804937
• ISBN-13: 978-0240804934
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #878,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Thorough and Intersting Guide to Theatre Production, September 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Illustrated Theatre Production Guide (Paperback)

Have you ever been interested in theatre production? Then this is one book you should definately read. It contains thorough instructions on the construction of modern scenery and discusses these topics with a wry humour. The topics of this book are broad and range from welding steel frames to the use of styrofoam forms to replicate stone structures. Holloway starts each section with an explanation of the tools that are commonly used and why. The "why" part of this book gives you the information necessary to synthesize your own new ways of construction and create anything you can imagine.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Illustrated is the Operative Word!, September 11, 2002

By 

Brad Kear (Lexington, Kentucky United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illustrated Theatre Production Guide (Paperback)

John Holloway's book Illustrated Theatre Production Guide is a great choice for any novice or skilled person wishing to take their creative ideas and put them on the stage. The practical advice provides a step by step guide to constructing the basic set pieces like platforms, flats, steps etc. Illustrated pictures of each step make the amateur or professional set designer able to construct their designs with little or no technical knowledge. It's the "Set Construction for Dummies" answer for the beginner and the "go to" book for the educated.
I was a theatre major in college 20 years ago and if I had a book with this kind of information, in a step by step, illustrated guide, it would have made my life so much easier! It is a book to own.

This book represents a life time of knowledge of practical technical theatre information. It doesn't treat you like you should already know this information. It is easy to read and spells out the smallest of details so that if you have never picked up a hammer you can use this to construct your design.

If I could only buy one book to instruct me as a "How to guide" this would be it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Illustration, September 5, 2003

By 

Charlie Hukill (Abilene, Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Illustrated Theatre Production Guide (Paperback)

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.