Illustrated Theatre Production Guide

Book Description
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

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.

About the Author
John Holloway is a tenured Associate Professor and Technical Director for the Theatre Department at the University of Kentucky. Mr. Holloway is an ongoing freelancer involved in designing, engineering, and constructing stage scenery for television and theatre. He has worked as a Technical Director for over 20 years, and has built scenery for over 100 plays, television shows, commercials, operas, and trade shows. Mr. Holloway is a longstanding member of the professional stagehands union, IATSE. He toured with the national touring companies of Grand Hotel, (Tony Award winner, 1989) The Will Rogers Follies, and Camelot. He also works as a rigger for rock concerts, and is a member of the USITT.