Though there's no substitute for working in the theater creating theatre (see what I did there? :-)) delving into some of these will open up worlds of ideas. Each time I read a new book on the craft of design or the methods to technical theater, I learn new approaches and techniques that add to me personal toolbox of knowledge and skills. So many of these books are written from the point of view of succesful theater designers and technicians who are culling information from their own endevours.

I am fortunate that so many of these authors consider me a professional colleague if not a personal friend. These authors don't write these books for the high paying contracts becuase that doesn't, unfortunatly, exist. They are theater people who like to share their work with those looking to learn.