Open Forum

I am looking for suggestions for a technical theater textbook. My students learn to run sound, run and fix lights, and create sets for shows. I find myself copying and pasting diagrams and manuals. Is there any such comprehensive text that exists?

Thank you,

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Justina Deering
English/Theater Teacher
Baldwin-Woodville High School


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I use Stagecraft Fundamentals by Rita Kogler Carver  ISBN 978-0-240-82051-4
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Kathy Cannarozzi-Harris
Chairperson Of Visual And Performing Arts

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Original Message:
Sent: 02-28-2014 15:31
From: Justina Deering
Subject: Technical Theater Textbook

I am looking for suggestions for a technical theater textbook. My students learn to run sound, run and fix lights, and create sets for shows. I find myself copying and pasting diagrams and manuals. Is there any such comprehensive text that exists?

Thank you,

-------------------------------------------
Justina Deering
English/Theater Teacher
Baldwin-Woodville High School


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Hi,

We have used "Scene Design and Stage Lighting" (Parker/Wolf) and "Technical Theatre for Non-Technical People" (Campbell). The first is likely too advanced for many high school students and the second does not seem to go into enough detail to provide more explicit guidance. I have found "Stock Scenery: A Handbook" (Raoul) to be very helpful. It does seem that much of what you may want is equipment specific and as such, the manufacturers often provide very good "how to" articles and manuals. Back to your original question, there are some very good books (as mentioned above) but usually the most efficient resource is searching the net as you have been doing. 
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Dana Taylor
MSD of Mt. Vernon


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Original Message:
Sent: 03-01-2014 07:17
From: Justina Deering
Subject: Technical Theater Textbook

I am looking for suggestions for a technical theater textbook. My students learn to run sound, run and fix lights, and create sets for shows. I find myself copying and pasting diagrams and manuals. Is there any such comprehensive text that exists?

Thank you,

-------------------------------------------
Justina Deering
English/Theater Teacher
Baldwin-Woodville High School


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I've been using J. Michael Gillette's Theatrical Design and Production through multiple editions - he's on the 7th now.  I use about 2/3 of it for my Technical Theatre I class and finish it up in Tech II with the addition of a Stage Management book.  If they haven't taken Physics the lighting chapter can be a bit difficult - but the tools chapter is amazing!
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Kathleen Conner
Performing Arts Department Chair

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Original Message:
Sent: 03-03-2014 10:45
From: Justina Deering
Subject: Technical Theater Textbook

I am looking for suggestions for a technical theater textbook. My students learn to run sound, run and fix lights, and create sets for shows. I find myself copying and pasting diagrams and manuals. Is there any such comprehensive text that exists?

Thank you,

-------------------------------------------
Justina Deering
English/Theater Teacher
Baldwin-Woodville High School


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I second Kathleen Conner's recommendation of Gillette's book. The writing is straightforward; the illustrations are helpful and focused. I've been using Gillette's tech theater books for years.

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Michael Bergman
Teacher/Director

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