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I use this text for all my Tech Theatre classes, from Basic Stagecraft on up to more advanced 300- and 400- level classes, and I ditto what other reviewers have said about its being comprehensive, thorough, and accurate. The only small problem I have with it is that it really isn't designed for students who've never taken a Theatre class before. For a 100-level class, there should be a little more background on definitions of the broad concepts like Art, Theatre, and Drama (and why there is a difference between the last two), and what exactly the work of the Playwright, Director, and Actors is and how the work of the design artists supports that. (I use Gillette for 100-level classes because I haven't really found anything else that does precisely what I would want a Basic Stagecraft book to do.) For a 200-level class, though, or a 100-level class where they've already taken a more traditional Theatre Appreciation class where they've already absorbed those concepts, it's THE book to use.
Paul F. Wilson
Chair and Tech Director
Methodist University
Fayetteville, NC
Cheap "Theatrical Design and Production: An Introduction to Scene Design and Construction, Lighting, Sound, Costume, and Makeup" Discount Review Shop
