A Practical Guide to Working in Theatre

by Gill Foreman

Overview

Live theatre is an exciting, challenging profession - but how is professional theatre actually made? What are the roles and what does each person do? Which pathways lead into the profession? What skills are necessary to each role and how does the job differ according to the size of theatre or company?

Written by the Acting Head of the Young People's Programme at the Royal Shakespeare Co. and former Director of Education at the Bristol Old Vic, this is a book for new entrants in the theatre industry needing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how theatre is made. It covers each role including director, designer, sound and lighting, front of house, playwright and many more.

Each chapter looks in detail at what each role entails, the main people who it involves working alongside and the skills required. Interviews with a number of key practitioners for each role provide authoritative and clear advice and insight for the reader. The book features interviews with all of the following and many more besides: Nick Hytner (National Theatre), Simon Reade (Bristol Old Vic), Mike Shepperd (founder and performer, Kneehigh), Emma Rice (Artistic Director, Kneehigh), Rachel Kavanaugh (Birmingham Rep), Tim Crouch (Writer/Director/Performer), Anne Tipton (Director), Stephen Jeffries (Playwright), David Edgar (Playwright) and Jack Bradley (Literary Manager).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780713687675
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/29/2009
Series:	Backstage
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.30(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Gill Foreman is Acting Head of the Young People's Programme at the Royal Shakespeare Co. and former Director of Education at the Bristol Old Vic.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Acknowledgements ix

Chapter 1 An introduction to the theatre industry 1

Chapter 2 The playwright 9

Chapter 3 The director 26

Chapter 4 The actor 46

Chapter 5 Production management 62

Chapter 6 The set designer 72

Chapter 7 The costume designer 78

Chapter 8 The lighting designer 84

Chapter 9 The sound designer 96

Chapter 10 The marketing department 104

Chapter 11 The education department 115

Chapter 12 House management 126

Glossary 138

Editorial Reviews

"Shows clearly what goes on backstage and how the industry works. Put this book on the shelves of your school and/or drama libraries and do your best to persuade your colleagues in the careers department to invest in a copy." --Teaching Drama

"With contributions across the industry, this new and up-to-date guide will be essential for all those planning their careers." --Amateur Stage Magazine

"It hugely conveys the work and effort that make possible your theatre night out." --Noda Theatre Business

From the Publisher

It hugely conveys the work and effort that make possible your theatre night out.

Noda Theatre Business

With contributions across the industry, this new and up-to-date guide will be essential for all those planning their careers.

Amateur Stage Magazine

Shows clearly what goes on backstage and how the industry works. Put this book on the shelves of your school and/or drama libraries and do your best to persuade your colleagues in the careers department to invest in a copy.

Teaching Drama