World Famous Comics: Technical Theater for Nontechnical People
Technical Theater for Nontechnical People
By: Drew Campbell Publisher: Allworth Press Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Allworth Press Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 272 Publication Date: April 01, 2004
Product Description: This innovative resource has been completely updated to reflect state-of-the-art standards in today's fast-changing theater technology. Designed exclusively for nontechnicians in the field, this pioneering book helps actors, dancers, playwrights, and directors to understand every aspect of a traditional and digitally supported backstage environment, from scenery, lighting, sound to props, and stage management to the use of integrated show control systems. The new edition covers new technology that has become mainstream, such as computer-controlled lightning instruments and audio (including various new formats), software to build audio cues, and PC-based audio play-back systems. A new chapter discusses show control systems that allow theater directors to make informed choices on which software to choose (the book covers DMX, MIDI, and SMPTI) and how to communicate their needs to a programmer. A chapter on costumes has been added to improve the communication between theaters and the costume department or rental company, including a check-list with helpful questions. All facets of production are clearly explained in jargon-free prose, and unfamiliar terms are highlighted and defined in an appended glossary. Besides theater newcomers and professionals, the book has targeted advice for event planners working and show producers working in the convention business, fashion, real estate, sports, and politics, including a special chapter on "How to Do a Show in a Hotel." Written with clarity and humor, this is the definitive user's guide to developing the vocabulary and technical skills crucial to working with technicians and technical equipment in a timely, efficient manner.
Cover all your bases I am finding this book very useful for a rounded guide to technical theatre for those of us who are 'Jacks of all Trades'. I am a solo technician in a Performing arts college in the UK and find it a useful recourse as I have to don many hats and it makes a good refresher or guide for the less experienced. It is well written and I find it honest and light and gives a good bit of detail about specific technicalities without the really mind boggling stuff that I guess 'non technical people' would get someone in for anyway. Every director should have a copy, or anyone who has to work with technicians as it is a great overview of different roles and the work that different departments put in. Have a go. It's worth the money in my humble opinion.
A Great Book Campbell is a consummate technician, with experience in all areas of entertainment. He certainly knows his stuff and has made it accessible to anyone interested (even casually) in theater and how to make it happen. I interviewed Campbell for my own book, Careers in Technical Theater, and he is included in the chapter detailing technical directors, where he makes clear just how much there is to know about tech theater. Technical Theater for Nontechnical People helps bridge the gap between folks as experienced and knowledgeable as Campbell, and those just trying to put on a show who may lack even the basics. Highly recommended.
Technical Theater for notechnical people Very informative book, does what its says it will do, easy to understand.
Technical Theater for Nontechnical People I found this to be an excellent treatise on what it takes from a tecnical standpoint to mount a successful show. I've been involved with Community Theater for over 40 years and I learned a few new tricks of the trade. The community theater company I'm involved with now has recently merged with a local art gallery to create a center for the arts. The paid staff has little to no theatrical experience yet has to interact with not only our local members but potential touring groups, local bands, etc. I am recommending to the executive director that the entire staff be required to read the book as part of their asscending the learning curve related to theatrical productions.
This edition is great, but new edition is even better! This is a wonderful book, but did you know there's a revised 2004 edition available? Click on "Paperback (2nd)" so you can get the most updated information on this subject.
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