Theatre Books

Click <Edit> below, then: 1) Add your information at the bottom of the article, OR
2) Add your comments to books already listed above, using this format "[I found this book really useful--UserName, 10/09/07]". Remember to click <Save> when finished.

09/03/08: Derek's favorite book about design:
Stage Design. Howard Bay. Drama Book Specialists, 1974. Long out-of-print, but still available and reasonably-priced from used booksellers locally and on the Internet.

On 10/07/07, derekleffew, started this article by writing:
Although I am primarily lighting, I’d like to open this article to every department of theatre, thus the title: Theatre Books, and invite everyone to participate.

One of my long-term goals is to create an annotated bibliography of all the technical theatre-related books I own, in the hope that such a list could be of interest to this board’s members. Anyone else think that’s a valid idea?

Here are three books I just purchased, along with my preliminary comments.

1) The Business of Theatrical Design, by James L. Moody. Alworth Press, 2002. Arrived last week. I’ve only skimmed it thus far, but the book contains information about being a professional theatre Designer not available anywhere. It is most likely an assigned textbook for some university Design courses. Those professors have to have something to teach, after all, in order to justify parents spending six figures for their offspring’s college degree. Mr. Moody is also the author of Concert Lighting, which just returned to me after being “on loan” for about two years. I knew who had it, and I didn’t need it, so I wasn’t worried. Required reading for those considering design as a career.

2) Automated Lighting, by Richard Cadena. Focal Press, 2006. This just arrived today. The author is the current editor of PLSN, and a former employee of High End Systems. In the past, I’ve disagreed with many of his articles appearing in PLSN, but look forward to reading this book. Who knows, I may learn something.

3) Control Systems for Live Entertainment, Third Edition, by John Huntington. Focal Press, 2007. This just arrived today. I worked with John in 1993 during the install of the Buccaneer Bay Sea Battle at Treasure Island at the Mirage. At the time, he was “show control expert” for Production Arts Lighting. I have the First Edition and can’t currently find it, I don’t think it’s “on loan,” but wanted the updated version anyway. Mr. Huntington’s article “The ACN Future is Here” appears in the September 2007 issue of Lighting and Sound America. The book even has pictures of the EOS and grandMA, and intimates that the former is not a moving light console. It also discusses at length non-base 10 numbers. All topics which have appeared recently here on Control Booth.

I hope that’s enough to get the ball rolling. Please list the books you own, or have read, and your comments on them. Some of the best advice I ever received was from my freshman college professor who said: “Don’t resell your copy of Scene Design and Stage Lighting, Fourth Edition, by W. Oren Parker and Harvey K. Smith. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1979, at the end of the term. You’ll only get 25% of what you paid for it. And you may need to refer to it when you’re hanging lights at the high-school you’re teaching at after you graduate.” Thank you, Professor Fishburn. Advice heeded. Although I hadn’t opened that particular book in at least 20 years, until today.

Click <edit> below, then: 1) Add your information at the bottom of the article, OR
2) Add your comments to books already listed above, using this format "[I found this book really useful--UserName, 10/09/07]".

On 10/07/07, jby007 added:
other great books

The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information
Paul Carter
http://www.amazon.com/Backstage-Hand...334254-6216650

The Automated Lighting Programmer's Handbook
Brad Schiller
http://www.amazon.com/Automated-Ligh...334254-6216650

Concert Lighting, Second Edition: Techniques, Art and Business
James Moody
http://www.amazon.com/Concert-Lighti...334254-6216650


Stage Lighting Handbook
Francis Reid
http://www.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting...334254-6216650

Scene Design and Stage Lighting
W. Oren Parker
http://www.amazon.com/Scene-Design-S...334254-6216650

Click <edit> below, then: 1) Add your information at the bottom of the article, OR
2) Add your comments to books already listed above, using this format "[I found this book really useful--UserName, 10/09/07]".

On 01/27/07, ship wrote:
At work, I'm working on a list of books the company will be looking into investing into for it's library. Below is the list of books and pre-priced out sources if anyone is interested in the books I currently think of interest:

(+++ Books I have not read, *** Books I have read, the more */+ the better the book in my opinion.)

Also below is “The Magic of Light” - this is an investment book and a good book to read (the white light design theory) - if there is more than one copy, put bids in on all of them... They are worth in the range of $150 to $200. Per copy. I got my own copy for $145.00 last year and it’s well worth more. On the other hand, I could kick myself for not buying it while it was still being published and in the $20 to $30.00 range.


General:
****** Backstage Handbook, 3rd Ed. by Paul Carter (Tech dictionary) $14.25 Sapsis / $13.45 Amazon -used
**** The Business of Theatrical Design, by James L. Moody (Gets into taxes, insurance etc. for freelance work) $19.95 Focal Press / $3.77 Amazon - used
+++ A Practical Guide to Health & Safety in the Entertainment Industry, by Marco van Beek $27.95 PLSN
++++ Practical Health & Safety Guidelines for School Theater Operations, by Dr. Doom $99.95 Tools for Stagecraft
+++ Health & Safety Guide for Film, TV & Theater, by Monona Rossol $17.95 Sapsis / $3.17 Amazon - used
++++ Life on the Road: A Beginner's Guide to the Stage Production Industry, by William Boswell $34.95 Amazon - Used
+++ Stage Fright: Health and Safety in the Theater, by Monna Rossol $2.95 Amazon - Used
+++ The Perfect Stage Crew: The Compleat Technical Guide for Highschool, College and Community Theater, by John Kaluta $13.00 Sapsis / $10.47 Amazon - Used
*** Technical Theater for Nontechnical People, 2nd Edition by Drew Campbell $12.50 Sapsis / $9.85 Amazon - Used
***** The City of Chicago Building Code, pub. by Sylvia J. Youpel (Not Available)

Lighting Programming & High Tech:
++++ Practical DMX, by Nick Mobsby $29.95 PLSN
+++++ Recommended Practice for DMX: A Guide for Users and Installers, by Adam Bennette; PLSA and USITT
++++ The Speed of Light, by Linda Essig $2.44 Amazon - Used
++++ Rock Solid Ethernet, by Wayne Howell $49.00 PLSN
+++++ Recommended Practice for Ethernet Cabling Systems; In Entertainment Lighting Applications, ESTA Pub.
**** Control Systems for Live Entertainment, 2nd Ed. by John Huntington $57.95 PLSN & Focal Press / $49.11 Amazon - Used
***** Stage Lighting Controls, by Uif Sandstrom $51.44 Amazon
+++ Computerized Lightboards,
**** Lighting Control Technology and Applications, 2nd Ed. by Robert Simpson $83.95 PLSN & Focal Press / $55.42 Amazon - Used
++++ Automated Lighting: The Art and Science of Moving Light, by Richard Cadena $44.95 PLSN & Focal Press / $39.26 Amazon - Used
++++ The Automated Lighting Programmer’s Handbook, by Brad Schiller $34.95 PLSN & Focal Press
++++ Projection for the Performing Arts, by Grahm Walne (Not Avbl.)
++++ Introduction to Modern Atmospheric Effects, 2nd Ed. ESTA Pub. $10.00 Production Advantage
++++ NFPA 1126 - The Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience
++++ NFPA 160 - Flame Effects Before an Audience
+++ Photoshop for Digital Video: Creative Solutions for Professional Results, by Mike Gondek $27.98 Amazon - Used
Lighting Basics:
**** A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, by Steven Louis Shelley $49.95 PLSN, Tools for Stagecraft & Focal Press / $31.86 Amazon - Used
+++ Basics – A Beginners Guide to Stage Lighting, by Peter Coleman $19.95 PLSN
*** Concert Lighting: Techniques, Art and Business, 2nd Ed. by James L Moody $51.95 PLSN & Focal Press / $49.95 Tools for Stagecraft / $26.93 Amazon - Used
+++ Concert Sound and Lighting Systems, 3rd Ed. by John Vasey $35.95 PLSN & Focal Press $25.49 Amazon - Used
++++ Focus on Lighting Technology, by Richard Cadena $34.95 PLSN
+++ Lighting Technology, 2nd Ed. by Brian Fitt $51.95 PLSN & Focal Press / $37.40 Amazon - Used
*** Theater Lighting from A to Z, by Norman C. Boulanger $16.59 Amazon - Used
**** The Followspot Training Program, (pamphlet) Theatrical Technicians, Inc.
**** Getting the Most from your Followspot - An Operator's Handbook, (pamphlet) Theatrical Technicians, Inc. $3.00 Amazon
++++ The Stage Lighting Handbook, 5th Ed. by Francis Reid $17.22 Amazon - Used
++++ Lighting the Stage, by Francis Ried
+++ Stage Lighting for Theater Designers, by Nigel H. Morgan
**** Stage Lighting Revealed, by Glen Cunningham $16.85 Amazon - Used
++++ Discovering Stage Lighting, 2nd Ed. by Francis Reid $43.95 Focal Press / $41.53 Amazon - Used
**** Stage Lighting Step by Step, by Grahm Walters $11.99 E-Bay - Used / $14.20 Amazon - Used
Lighting Studio & Film:
++++ Set Lighting Technician’s Handbook, 3rd ED by Hary C. Box $44.99 PLSN
+++ Location Lighting for Television, by Alan Bermingham $41.95 PLSN / $41.51 Amazon - Used
+++ Motion Picture and Video Lighting, by Blain Brown $44.95 PLSN / $32.00 Amazon - Used
+++ Lighting for TV and Film, 3rd Ed. by Gerald Millerston $64.95 PLSN / $44.00 Amazon - Used
+++ Lighting for Video, 3rd Ed. by Gerald Millerson $33.95 PLSN / $24.10 Amazon - Used
+++ Lighting for Digital Video & Television, 2nd Ed. by John Jackman $26.00 Amazon - Used
++++ Placing Shadows: Lighting Technique for Video Production, 3rd Ed. by Chuck Gloman $34.95 PLSN / $24.81 Amazon - Used
+++ The Professional Lighting Handbook, 2nd Ed. by Verne Carlson
+++ The Technique of Lighting for Television and Film, 3rd Ed. $72.99 Amazon
+++ Gaffers, Grips and Best Boys, by Eric Taub $10.00 Amazon - Used
+++ The Grip Book, 3nd Ed. by Michael and Sabrina Uva $36.19 Amazon - Used
+++ Film Lighting, by Kris Malkiewicz $9.99 E-bay / $7.99 Amazon - Used
Electrics:
***** The American Electricians Handbook, 13th Ed. by Terrell Croft $34.44 Amazon - Used
***** 2005 NEC Handbook, NFPA $91.00 Amazon - Used
**** Commercial Electrical Wiring, by John E. Traister $24.07 Amazon - Used
+++ Electrical Wiring Commercial, 12E based on the 2005 NEC, by Mulin & Smith $54.75 Amazon - Used
++++ Electrical Wiring Industrial, 11th ed. by Robert L. Smith $0.99 E-Bay / $42.90 Amazon - Used
++++ Electrical Wiring Residential, 13th Ed. by Ray C. Mullin $0.99 E-Bay / $58.08 Amazon - Used
+++ Modern Residential Wiring, by Harvey N. Holtzman $42.85 Amazon - Used
+++ OSHA Electrical Regulations Simplified 1996, NFPA $39.93 Amazon - Used
++++ Technician's Guide to Programmable Controllers, 3rd Ed. Richard A. Cox (Arch. Controllers) $12.99 E-Bay / $43.95 Amazon
Design:
***** Photometrics Handbook, 2nd Ed. by Robert C. Mumm $20.00 PLSN & Production Advantage / $20.00 Amazon
++++ Computer Visualization for the Theater: 3D Modeling for Designers, by Gavin Carver $39.95 PLSN & Focal Press / $34.11 Amazon - Used
+++ AutoCAD – A handbook for Theater Users, $44.95 PLSN
+++ Designer Drafting for the Entertainment World, by Patricia Woodbridge $56.95 PLSN / $32.95 Amazon - Used
++++ If it’s Purple, Someone’s Gonna Die: The Power of Color in Visual Storytelling, by Patti Bellantoni $39.95 PLSN / $25.85 E-Bay
++++ Let There Be Light – Entertainment Lighting Software Pioneers in Conversion, by Robert Bell $62.00 PLSN
++++ Light – Science and Magic, $46.95 PLSN
++++ Light Fantastic: The Art and Design of Stage Lighting, 2nd Ed. by Max Keller $85.00 PLSN / $48.45 Amazon - Used
++++ Lighting by Design, by Sally Storey $80.95 PLSN / $4.98 Amazon - Used
++++ Lighting Modern Buildings, by Derek Phillips $79.95 PLSN $79.73 Amazon - Used
+++ Lighting The Stage, $29.95 PLSN
++++ Lighting: Interior and Exterior, by Robert Bean $37.95 PLSN / $34.95 Amazon - Used
+++ Lit Environment, by Derek Phillips $62.95 PLSN / $15.95 Amazon - Used
+++ Lit Interior, by William J. Fielder $26.95 PLSN / $21.50 Amazon - Used
***** Designing with Light, by Michael Gillette E-Bay $4.00 / $50.00 Amazon - Used
++++ Lighting and the Design Idea, 2nd Ed. by Wadsworth and Thomson $39.05 Amazon - Used
***** The Beauty of Light, by Ben Bova $3.99 E-Bay / $0.49 Amazon - Used
++++ Color Science for Lighting the Stage, by William B. Warfel
+++ The Control of Light, by Brian Fitt $3.51 Amazon - Used
++++ Design Criteria for Lighting Interior Living Spaces, IESNA $37.99 Amazon - Used
++++ Interior Lighting for Designers, 3rd Ed. by Gary Gordon $3.99 E-Bay / $60.25 Amazon - Used
++++ The Lighting Art, The Aestetics of Stage Lighting Design, 2nd Ed. by Richard H. Palmer
++++ The IESNA Lighting Handbook, Reference and Applications, 9th Ed. IESNA $45.00 Amazon
+++ IESNA Ready Reference, IESNA $70.00 Amazon - Used
***** The Magic of Light, by Jean Rosenthal $9.99 E-Bay / $146.84 Amazon - Used
***** A Method of Lighting the Stage, by Stanley McCandless $19.50 Amazon - Used
**** Backwards & Forwards: A Technical Manual for Reading Plays, by David Ball $16.16 Amazon - Used
Rigging:
**** Aluminum Structures in the Entertainment Industry, by Peter Hind $43.50 Sapsis
*** Klutz Book of Knots, by John Cassidy $9.95 Sapsis / $4.99 E-Bay / $0.97 Amazon - Used
**** Rigging for Entertainment: Regulations and Practice, by Chris Higgs $43.50 Sapsis
***** Stage Rigging Handbook, 2nd Ed. by Jay O. Glerum $24.95 Sapsis / $20.95 Amazon - Used
++++ An Introduction to Rigging in the Entertainment Industry, by Chris Higgs Royston $43.50 Sapsis / $41.95 Amazon - Used
+++++ ESTA's Standard for Construction and Use of Wire Rope Ladders, $20.00 Sapsis
++++ Entertainment Rigging: A Practical Guide for Riggers, Designers and Managers, by Harry Donovan $82.55 Sapsis
++++ Introduction to Fall Protection, 3rd Ed. by J. Nigel Ellis $76.50 Sapsis / $89.95 Amazon
+++ H.A.R.T. Book, by Tom Vines (Rope Rescue Techniques)
**** Self Rescue, by David J. Fasulo $4.97 Amazon - Used
+++++ Wire Rope Sling Users Manual,
***** Wire Rope Users Manual, 3rd Ed. by Wire Rope Technical Board $26.00 Sapsis

Carpentry/Metal Working:
**** Stock Scenery Construction Handbook, 2nd Ed. by Bill Raoul $18.95 PLSN $13.45 Amazon - Used
**** Structural Design for the Stage, by Alys Holden $59.95 PLSN & Focal Press / $41.96 Amazon
**** Theater Engineering and Stage Machinery, by Toshiro Ogawa $53.50 Sapsis
**** Building Construction Illustrated, 3rd Ed. by Francis D.K. Ching $4.99 E-Bay / $21.37 Amazon - Used
++++ Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants, by Edward M. Petrie $61.00 Amazon - Used
***** Scenery for the Theater, by Harold Burris-Myer
**** The Stagecraft Handbook, by Daniel A. Ionazzi $11.00 E-Bay / $8.75 Amazon - Used
***** Welding for the Theater,
**** The Welder's Bible, 2nd Ed. by Don Geary $59.85 Amazon - Used
**** Welder's Handbook, by Richard Finch $5.99 E-Bay / $7.31 Amazon - Used

Scenic Painting:
+++ Scene Painting Projects for Theater, by Stephen Sherwin $34.95 PLSN & Focal Press $31.60 Amazon - Used
++++ Scenic Art for the Theater, 2nd Ed. by Susan Crabtree $39.95 PLSN / $33.91 Amazon - Used
***** Decorating with Paint, by Jocasta Innes $9.99 E-Bay
**** Designing and Painting for the Theater, by Lynn Pecktal $101.74 Amazon
***** Recipes for Surfaces, by Mindy Drucker $2.95 E-Bay / $0.97 Amazon - Used
++++ Theatrical Scene Painting: A Lesson Guide, by William H. Pinnell $16.04 Amazon - Used

Click <Edit> below, then: 1) Add your information at the bottom of the article, OR
2) Add your comments to books already listed above, using this format "[I found this book really useful--UserName, 10/09/07]". Remember to click <Save> when finished.
.
10/28/07. See also this thread: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/s...7668#post67668 -derekleffew.
.
11/14/07. See also this thread: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/s...ead.php?t=6226 -derekleffew.
.
11/25/07. See also this thread: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/s...ead.php?t=6336 -derekleffew.
.
04/28/08. New book. HEADS! & Tales, Uncle Bill's Musings on the Theatrical Experience. by Bill Sapsis, of Sapsis Rigging.
.
08/06/08. External Link to one Performing Arts High School's Summer Reading List. Actor-oriented, but valuable nonetheless. -DL
.
01/26/09: Some books that speak specifically to Lighting Design:
Hays, David. Light on the Subject, Stage Lighting for Directors and Actors and the Rest of Us. Limelight Editions, 1998.
Essig, Linda. Lighting and the Design Idea. Harcourt Brace, 1997.
Palmer, Richard H. The Lighting Art: The Aesthetics of Stage Lighting Design. Prentice-Hall, 1985.
Bellman, Willard F. Lighting the Stage, Art and Practice. Chandler Publishing Company, 1967.
McCandless, Stanley. A Method of Lighting the Stage. Theatre Arts Books, 1932.
Some of which I don't believe have been mentioned above or below. -DL

07/10/09: Just published, Excellent book: Parichy, Dennis. Illuminating the Play: The Artistry of Lighting Design. Heinemann, 2009.
-------