Light on the Subject: Stage Lighting for Directors and Actors - And the Rest of Us [Paperback]

David Hays (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2004

Offers a problem-solving approach that provides a thorough knowledge of the craft. Also draws from literary quotations on light and its effects. "David Hays has always been a brilliant designer. Now he is a brilliant teacher." -Hal Prince

Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: Limelight Editions; Revised edition (August 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0879101261
• ISBN-13: 978-0879101268
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #181,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for students and professionals alike!!, February 18, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Light on the Subject: Stage Lighting for Directors and Actors - And the Rest of Us (Paperback)

As a theatre lighting proffesional I found this book to be very enjoyable and the antidotes were lively and easily related to. A general good book with very little technical jargon and stories that you'll tell to a hysterically laughing crew at cue to cue's!!! A must for designers and the rest of the industry!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Neither flesh nor fish, August 20, 2003

By 

J. Ott "John Ott" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Light on the Subject: Stage Lighting for Directors and Actors - And the Rest of Us (Paperback)

I'm guy who likes the technical. This book leaps right into the technical with hopes that you'll swallow it whole. That is not a non-technical approach. Far from it. It overwhelmed even me, who was ready to get into the nitty-gritty. A few more diagrams and a little more patience would have made the first part of the book better.

The second part of the book, which concentrates on theory, is more fun, mostly because of the anecdotes. I wish Mr. Hays had been more generous with the anecdotes, because they are informative as well as interesting. What comes across loud and clear is the artistry of not only lighting designers, but the entire tech crew.

I have not read any other books on theater lighting, but this book was certainly more informative than classes I have taken. I can't endorse it fully, since most left-hand pages are nearly blank-- Hays puts short quotes by novelists in that describe light in terms of emotion. The quotes would be better in their own section. And it is not as "non-technical" as advertised. However, all this is probably compensated by, for most theater people, the handy glossary which includes pictures of different kinds of lights-- invaluable!

I hate to give anything a mixed review, but hopefully you can determine from the description above whether this is the book you are looking for.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Primer for Non Lighting Designers, March 13, 2000

By 

Jolyon I Leggett - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light on the Subject: Stage Lighting for Directors and Actors - And the Rest of Us (Paperback)

This is an excellent introduction to the world of Lighting Design for the non designer. It is an enjoyable quick read as well. Its a great way for someone in the theatre to understand what Lighting Designers and technicians auctually do.