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Technical Theater for Nontechnical People, 2nd Edition
Completely updated to reflect state-of-the-art standards in today's fast-changing theater technology, Technical Theater for Nontechnical People helps actors, dancers, playwrights, and directors to understand every aspect of a traditional and digitally supported backstage environment-from scenery, lighting, and sound to props, costumes, and stage management. All sides of production are clearly explained in jargon-free prose, and unfamiliar terms are highlighted and defined in an appended glossary. In addition to discussions on the more traditional elements of technical theater, this book gives equal weight to the new technologies that have become mainstream, including software (DMX, MIDI, and SMPTI) for show control systems, software to build audio cues, and PC-based audio play-back systems.
Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.
Allworth Press, an imprint of Skyhorse Publishing, publishes a broad range of books on the visual and performing arts, with emphasis on the business of art. Our titles cover subjects such as graphic design, theater, branding, fine art, photography, interior design, writing, acting, film, how to start careers, business and legal forms, business practices, and more. While we don't aspire to publish a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are deeply committed to quality books that help creative professionals succeed and thrive. We often publish in areas overlooked by other publishers and welcome the author whose expertise can help our audience of readers.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1999
59 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 3, 2022
Much more engaging than it has any right to be, you won’t walk away a subject matter expert in any of the technical fields it reviews, but you will be exposed to a lot and will likely be in a better place to ask questions and continue your research.
June 19, 2019
Ugh this....this is an amazing book. Unlike my previous reads on theater, this is a comprehensive education from the ground up. Who does what, what goes where, and what those things are called. Not only that, but it doesn't assume you're already attached to a company or building and has a chapter dedicated to just finding a space. Every chapter is conducive to creativity and self-education, and tells you all the right questions to ask. The author is primarily a sound tech, and it shows in the hilarious chapter on sound. Every aspect of theater is broken down to the basic elements and scientific principles, lending this book to be used for everything from Shakespeare to concerts to fashion shows. Five stars!
November 11, 2021
The author tries too often (and unsuccessfully) to use humorous idioms and inside jokes to enliven otherwise dull topics.
As the title suggests this book is intended for nontechnical readers interested in learning the basics of a technical profession. As such it does an adequate job. It painstakingly introduces and defines a litany of terms, many which sound mundane or archaic (because they are!) and which often have multiple and sometimes contradictory definitions. His brief asides on these term’s histories are enlightening.
A frustrating thing about any how-to manual for theatre is that one size doesn’t fit all (or even most). The author goes out of his way several time to appreciate this fact and emphasize that our differences are what makes theatre so special.
But at some fundamental level the procedures he outlines (especially in chapter 13: Stage Management) are things all well-run productions will at least strive to do even if not in precisely the same well organized steps. I’ve read other author’s directives that seem much less flexible. Kudos to Campbell for offering a reasonable roadmap that is as applicable to a small Middle School production as it is to Broadway.
Despite being in its 3rd edition and publish as recently as 5 years ago (2016), there remain references to technology much further removed than that. Maybe I’m underestimating how much things have changed since 2016, but this edition seems inexplicably dated. In the transition to newer technologies there comes a time when describing the old technology that has been replaced is no longer relevant or elucidating. Instead, in this case it sounds like the reminiscences of a well-seasoned but nostalgic techie.
Campbell’s knowledge of theater and trade shows is impressive and is clearly the result of a lifetime career in the industry yet many of his personal anecdotes don’t add meaningfully to the text. Chapter 14: How To Do A Show In A Hotel is especially off topic. And while I personally enjoyed the weedy discussion about audio formats, sample rates, and bit-depth, it wasn’t particularly germaine.
Overall this book represents a good overview of technical theater and I will refer to it often as I attempt to conform more closely with its best practices as outlined in this book and to teach the same to my HS Stagecraft students
As the title suggests this book is intended for nontechnical readers interested in learning the basics of a technical profession. As such it does an adequate job. It painstakingly introduces and defines a litany of terms, many which sound mundane or archaic (because they are!) and which often have multiple and sometimes contradictory definitions. His brief asides on these term’s histories are enlightening.
A frustrating thing about any how-to manual for theatre is that one size doesn’t fit all (or even most). The author goes out of his way several time to appreciate this fact and emphasize that our differences are what makes theatre so special.
But at some fundamental level the procedures he outlines (especially in chapter 13: Stage Management) are things all well-run productions will at least strive to do even if not in precisely the same well organized steps. I’ve read other author’s directives that seem much less flexible. Kudos to Campbell for offering a reasonable roadmap that is as applicable to a small Middle School production as it is to Broadway.
Despite being in its 3rd edition and publish as recently as 5 years ago (2016), there remain references to technology much further removed than that. Maybe I’m underestimating how much things have changed since 2016, but this edition seems inexplicably dated. In the transition to newer technologies there comes a time when describing the old technology that has been replaced is no longer relevant or elucidating. Instead, in this case it sounds like the reminiscences of a well-seasoned but nostalgic techie.
Campbell’s knowledge of theater and trade shows is impressive and is clearly the result of a lifetime career in the industry yet many of his personal anecdotes don’t add meaningfully to the text. Chapter 14: How To Do A Show In A Hotel is especially off topic. And while I personally enjoyed the weedy discussion about audio formats, sample rates, and bit-depth, it wasn’t particularly germaine.
Overall this book represents a good overview of technical theater and I will refer to it often as I attempt to conform more closely with its best practices as outlined in this book and to teach the same to my HS Stagecraft students
December 27, 2018
I picked this up as research for a novel, and I have to say, this book is much more engaging than it has any right to be, especially for this non-theater person. The content very well broken down, and the illustrations are helpful, but mainly the writing--while never failing in its objective to be informative--is plain fun. All told, I opened this book because it was something I NEEDED to read, and it ended up being something I ENJOYED reading. I don't know if there could be any higher praise.
July 29, 2019
Amazing book! Well written, incredibly informative, great use of pronouns to explore the idea that the concepts of technical theater are easily accessible to men and women of all backgrounds. Highly recommend.
March 31, 2020
Covers its topic well, although it perhaps gets a little deeper in the technology at times than one might want unless one is trying to make the deep dive in lighting or sound. But it ought to be required reading for directors who don't have a technical background.
May 29, 2019
A lot of the info is currently out dated. But a funny book for getting into the theatre industry.
June 17, 2019
This is a great reference book to have on hand for any theater person.
November 15, 2019
The edition I read was outdated, but still full of useful and funny information.
July 23, 2021
Great intro for those new to theatre
Well written, easy to read, and an enjoyable sense of humor on the authors part makes the text a must have for your library .
Well written, easy to read, and an enjoyable sense of humor on the authors part makes the text a must have for your library .
August 22, 2024
So helpful for teaching my Behind-the-Scenes Theater class!
November 8, 2024
read this for a masters class but we read the whole book so i’m counting it!!!
September 13, 2012
'Technical Theatre for Nontechnical People' might not have a fascinating plot or loveable characters, but nonetheless it's an essential reference for anyone who has to set foot on any kind of stage. It's not designed for professionals, but time and time again has saved my skin when I've had to explain to someone what "that spinny light thing" is or how to keep your mic techs happy as a lead actor.
For students, TTFNP is a terrific first textbook. It won't teach you everything you've ever wanted to know, but it will answer the burning questions, and (best of all) will stop you from looking like a fool when you do work with a professional. It's actually quite a fun read, and Campbell does an excellent job of simplifying concepts enough to make them simple to grasp without it becoming shallow or condescending. I recently gave this to a 12 year old who wanted to know more about theatre, and then handed it on to a 17 year old amateur lighting technician who wanted to check out exactly how the fly system worked.
Get a copy, then buy a second copy to lend to people. It may well save your sanity next time someone asks you a question while you're at work.
For students, TTFNP is a terrific first textbook. It won't teach you everything you've ever wanted to know, but it will answer the burning questions, and (best of all) will stop you from looking like a fool when you do work with a professional. It's actually quite a fun read, and Campbell does an excellent job of simplifying concepts enough to make them simple to grasp without it becoming shallow or condescending. I recently gave this to a 12 year old who wanted to know more about theatre, and then handed it on to a 17 year old amateur lighting technician who wanted to check out exactly how the fly system worked.
Get a copy, then buy a second copy to lend to people. It may well save your sanity next time someone asks you a question while you're at work.
March 9, 2012
This is an excellent book; it is interesting and humorous, and most importantly, it really explains the fundamentals of every aspect of technical theatre. I read it for stage management class, and it was a breeze. Very enjoyable and informative.
January 19, 2016
Drew Campbell does an excellent job of presenting all the information needed to run a theatre. Even though the technology he references is out of date by today's standards the information and basic process is still relevant and applicable.
Want to read
January 18, 2009stamped
June 27, 2011
A great overview of many different areas of theatre. Great for beginning theatre enthusiasts or professionals. Doesn't go too in depth on any particular subject.
February 17, 2020
A good basic introduction to every aspect of technical theatre. Clear explanations in a conversational, relaxed style, and very thorough at the same time as being accessible.
July 3, 2019
A good overview/ introduction that pulls back the curtain and lets you see the processes behind the product. Not for everyone, but it's good if you are in the market.
January 22, 2016
Very useful -- used as a tech reference for high school drama students
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews