Customer Reviews

Theatrical Design and Production: An Introduction to Scene Design and Construction, Lighting, Sound, Costume, and Makeup

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Teaching in this technical subject, like working behind thescenes in theatre, is difficult. You have so much to cover and neverenough time to get to it all. This text covers most all the topics related to production. The author has written it in a clear and open way which can be used to foster discussion as well as conveying straight information.. Appealling is the chapter on the design process, it sets the tone for "Why do I need to know all of this stuff". Even more importantly while setting forth a way to approaching design in the theatre it really sets forth a way to addressing life, as "a challenge" rather than a problem. I have taught from this book since it's first edition (and taught from most of the others on the market), this is the text which best has met my needs as a teacher. One can only marvel at how well Michael Gillette has carried on where his father's text left off (Arnold Gillette). This is what good texts are about: information, clear, and a solid foundation of how this knowledge will fit into the whole. This is One!

I'm a lighting design major in college, and no matter what I take a class in, Gillette's book is the standard must have for all tech (and acting) majors. It's a requirement for stage tech 1, and then is used again through out the college carreer, and I have heard people even refrence it after they graduate. The best places to start for new techies are this book, and the 'backstage handbook'

I think its an amazing book! very complete, it tells you about the roles of every one involved, the make up, scene design, construction, sound, costume and lighting, so if you are serious about becoming an excelent theatrical designer and producer, then this is the best place to start!! from here you can buy other books, but this is a must have!

I use this text for all my Tech Theatre classes, from Basic Stagecraft on up to more advanced 300- and 400- level classes, and I ditto what other reviewers have said about its being comprehensive, thorough, and accurate. The only small problem I have with it is that it really isn't designed for students who've never taken a Theatre class before. For a 100-level class, there should be a little more background on definitions of the broad concepts like Art, Theatre, and Drama (and why there is a difference between the last two), and what exactly the work of the Playwright, Director, and Actors is and how the work of the design artists supports that. (I use Gillette for 100-level classes because I haven't really found anything else that does precisely what I would want a Basic Stagecraft book to do.) For a 200-level class, though, or a 100-level class where they've already taken a more traditional Theatre Appreciation class where they've already absorbed those concepts, it's THE book to use.

Paul F. Wilson
Chair and Tech Director
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC

As a textbook for entry-level technical and design theatre, this book is indispensable. It is both up-to-date and Gillette is continually reaching out to professionals in theatre to ensure this book teaches you how things are really done. In the sixth edition, the chapter on props has been substantially reworked with input by Sandra Strawn, professor of Properties Design and Production at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, along with help from members of the Society of Properties Artisan Managers, who represent the heads of prop shops in many of the major regional and educational theatres in the US, including New York City. No other book on props approaches that level of expertise, let alone a textbook.

This book is an excellent starting point for students interested in theater. It covers all of the major topics: scene design, construction, lighting, sound, costumes, and makeup. I would recommend it to all students and teachers.

I am a technical director of 18 plus years, I've been doing technical theatre for 25 years, and now teach technical theatre at the University level. This one book is my go to, all in one text book.

With the exception of hands on backstage experience, this is the best source I have come across for introduction to all things technical in theatre. Highly recommended.

i needed this textbook for class and it's much cheaper online through amazon.com than through the university bookstore. Came quickly and in great condition. Very thorough book!

This book was in excellent condition, and provided all the requirements for the class I am taking.

we used this book in our theatre department and I find it very good for students who want a little knowledge of what goes on in the making of theatre.