Theatre Management [Paperback]

David M. Conte (Author), Stephen Langley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 12, 2007

A comprehensive text and indispensable reference for all arts managers.

David M. Conte's vast expansion of the Langley classic delivers a broad, comprehensive view of theatre and performing arts management based on the premise that all the performing arts share the same core issues. Mr. Conte addresses the needs and concerns confronting 21st Century managers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David M. Conte is a theatre manager working on Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. He is also an experienced manager of musicals on the road. Additional credits include work in regional theatre and touring international ballet and opera companies. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama.

Product Details

• Paperback: 612 pages
• Publisher: Quite Specific Media Group Ltd; 1st edition (March 12, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896762564
• ISBN-13: 978-0896762565
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #33,074 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Performing Arts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most Thorough Theatre Management Book Ever, April 12, 2008

By 

Rick Schneider - See all my reviews

This review is from: Theatre Management (Paperback)

If you are a serious theatre management student or professional, this is the first book you need to have on your shelf. It is the definitive "Go To" book for all things related to managing theaters and shows, at all levels of the industry.

For example, box office operations and advertising are just as important to Broadway theaters as they are to school and community theaters. The dimensions are different of course - a million dollars a week for the pros, or a thousand dollars a week for schools and communities. But those dollars are equally critical for the economic health of each venue and producing organization. As a result, the book's discussion of box office operations is very relevant to all venues and organizations.

However, just because various performing arts have many things in common, does not mean that solutions to their various concerns are freely interchangeable. Thus, Conte has chapters that focus on the various performance levels - commercial, non-profit theaters, and so on. Within special chapters, the problems and challenges of each type of operation are reviewed in detail.

Conte has a down-to-earth approach to arts production, borne from years of hands-on management experience. Conte says that, in spite of the numerous examples he provides, this is not a "how-to" book. I respectfully disagree. There is so much information contained in this book that any theater manager or producer can learn and use methods and means to accomplish almost any managerial objective. To get a start at achieving anything, the resource to begin with is Theatre Management. As an academic resource, Theatre Management is a veritable encyclopedia of all theatre management.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute Must Have!, December 4, 2008

By 

Marion Webber (Detroit, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Theatre Management (Paperback)

Every theatre management book I've picked up, I always considered writing to the author asking for more comprehensive information, examples, charts, figures, varying scenarios, etc.

This book HAS IT ALL. I am completely floored and I not only highly recommend it, but dare to say that if you want to pursue this career, you MUST read it!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable Asset, September 30, 2007

By 

Jeffrey F. Simno - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Theatre Management (Paperback)

If you are serious about theatrical management, this book is an invaluable asset. I mean that in every sense of the word. Completely up-to-date and excessively thorough.