Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Full disclosure: I've known Rita for about ten years and consider her incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent as well as a number of those quoted or interviewed in her book. However, this does not mean that I was willing to skip the part of reading her book and just say "It's great, buy it!"
As an NYU grad and lighting designer who has worked in theatre for almost twenty years, I received this book with great interest. It has been a very long time since I have read an introductory book to the art that either assumed too much or ignored the inherent passion for dry, stoic facts. This book manages to start at the beginning with an overview of theatre history and how theatres work before getting into careers and equipment. It works at a good speed, not bogging down in details and the sidebar facts came often enough to create interest and spur the reader on to discover more.
This is not as much a "hands on" instruction manual as to how to build a flat, more of a guide as to what kinds of flats there are, why choose one version over another, what is used to build various flats and how flats fit in overall to the design. For those interested in only one aspect of theatre (costume construction, for example), this book takes a cohesive view of theatre and will make you learn more about portions that impact or are impacted by costumes. One of the keywords picked out for definition is "collaboration," which is essential for a successful theatre production and it's a prevalent theme through the book.
The graphics, layout, photos and text are incredibly strong throughout and are well worth the purchase price. My only issues with the book overall were that a few images seemed a little darker than they should have been and I noted several misspellings in an instructional text. But these minor quibbles should not distract from a well put-together text for any introduction to theatre class for college or high school. I'll be keeping this on my bookshelf should anyone I know ever want an excellent primer for what is actually involved in productions.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Stagecraft Fundamentals: A Guide and Reference for Theatrical Production
Stagecraft Fundamentals is the only book that tackles every aspect of theatre production. The history of stagecraft, safety precautions, lighting, costumes, scenery, career planning tips, and more are discussed with modern, color examples that display both step-by-step procedures and the finished product. From the student beginning in theatre to the practiced, Rita Kogler Carver assembles her vast experience into a one-stop guide for theatrical production. Instructor's manual, additional exercises that coincide with chapters from the book, CAD drawings, color theory, manufacturing information, and other resources can be found at www.StageCraftFundamentals.com.
Praise for the Book: Beautifully written! The author has succeeded in relaying technical theatre information without being too technical and putting the reader to sleep. I read three sentences and instantly knew this book was for me and the way I teach. When I think back on the insufferable intro to tech theatre books I had to read, I feel cheated I didn't have this one as a student. I will be using this text in my class! -- Rob Napoli, Designer and Technical Director at Penn State University, Berks Campus
This text has temped me to return to teaching with a textbook for the first time in seven years. The language is both accessible and informal yet the text goes a long way in debunking some of the typical jargon that may alienate students just getting into the field, or trying it out for the first time. The illustrations (the text is full of them) coupled with the stories reinforce the fundamental information being conveyed. -- John Paul Devlin, Associate Professor of Theatre at Saint Michael's College
What a great idea! Thank heavens someone is doing this for students at that impressionable age. That has been one of my mantras - education of teachers and students on the use of scenic materials. The teachers don't have enough time in college to learn and do everything they have to teach. Most get thrown into the theatre area by default and struggle with designing/building/painting the scenery. -- Jenny Knott, Rosco
Stagecraft Fundamentals is beautifully illustrated throughout, and the pofusion of color on every page gives this textbook the appearance of a coffee table book. The writing is clear and personal, which should be very appealing to students. Rita Carver covers all aspects of theatre production from scenery, to lighting, to an actor's makeup. Her close ties to the New York theatre scene gives this book a special insight into the professional world, one that goes well beyond what is found in most college textbooks. -- John Holloway, Professor in the Theatre Department at the University of Kentucky and President of the International Association of Theatrical stage Employees (IATSE) Local 346.
I can't thank you enough for Stagecraft Fundamentals. I have been teaching stagecraft since 1976 and you have saved me from the nightmare of writing a text to suit my class needs..After two semesters with your text, I have found that I had more time to develop the skills necessary within the classroom than before. The humor that you have infused in the book has enticed my students to read on. That alone makes this text invaluable. --Meta Lasch, Assistant Professor, West Liberty University
* The most comprehensive and up-to-date reference for theatrical production in existence * Filled with brilliant full-color illustrations * www.StageCraftFundamentals.com includes instructor's manual, additional exercises that coincide with chapters from the book, CAD drawings, color theory, manufacturing information and more! * Includes step-by-step models that lead the reader through each aspect of theatrical production * Written by an award-winning designer
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