Designer Drama

Now in its second edition, Designing for the Theatre has established itself as the authoritative introduction to the processes of design for the theatre. Covering the contribution which can be made by costume, sets, props and lighting to a stage production, the author explains the purpose and process involved in their design. Included in this second edition are new photographs and drawings illustrating some of the most exciting and diverse current trends in stage design.

Includes miscellaneous newsletters (Music at Michigan, Michigan Muse), bulletins, catalogs, programs, brochures, articles, calendars, histories, and posters.

The Methuen Drama Dictionary of the Theatre is an essential reference tool and companion for anyone interested in the theatre and theatre-going. Containing over 2500 entries it covers the international spectrum of theatre with particular emphasis on the UK and USA. With biographical information on playwrights, actors and directors, entries on theatres and theatre companies, explanation of technical terms and theatrical genres, and synopses of major plays, this is an authoritative, trustworthy and comprehensive compendium. Included are: synopses of 500 major plays biographical entries on hundreds of playwrights, actors, directors and producers definitions of nearly 200 genres and movements entries on over 100 key characters from plays information about more than 250 theatres and companies Unlike similar products, The Methuen Drama Dictionary of the Theatre avoids a dry, technical approach with its sprinkling of anecdotal asides and fascinating trivia, such as how Michael Gambon gave his name to a corner of a racing track following an incident on BBC's Top Gear programme, and under 'advice to actors' the sage words of Alec Guinness: 'First wipe your nose and check your flies', and the equally wise guidance from the master of his art, Noël Coward: 'Just know your lines and don't bump into the furniture.' As a companion to everything from the main stage to the fringes of theatrical fact and folklore, this will prove an irresistible book to all fans of the theatre.

What is design? What are the main design disciplines, and how do they interrelate? How does design theory and context help you improve your studio work? What do you need to know by the end of your course to get a good career? What can you do to become a knowledgeable designer and improve your skills so that you stand out from the crowd? Whether you are already studying design, thinking about choosing a course, or are well on your way to finding your first job, this essential and uniquely comprehensive book will introduce you to the world of design and support you throughout your studies and on into the industry. Key features Develops your core skills and supports you in making the most of your studies. Describes the multi-disciplinary design world by exploring the various design disciplines – graphics, fashion and textiles, three-dimensional design, craft, spatial, interactive media, and theatre, film and television. Contains crucial practical information so you’re ready for your career - placements, working with industry and self-employment, networking, job-seeking and how to succeed in your own business. Covers the key practical, theoretical and cultural fundamentals of design to help you understand and inform your practice - chapters on creativity and innovation, history, culture and context, how to communicate design, colour theory, aesthetics, and how to design with ethical, social and responsible considerations. Comprises chapters written by designers and lecturers, all experts in their fields. Includes stories, career profiles and first-hand quotes by students, established designers and industry specialists exploring what it’s like to study and to work in the design industry today. Identifies important books and websites for further reading. The Design Student’s Handbook will guide you along the road to a successful and fulfilling career and is an essential text for studying any of the design disciplines.

Theatre Design involves everything seen on stage: not only scenery but costumes, wigs, makeup, properties, lighting, sound, even the shape and material of the stage itself. Designers’ Shakespeare presents and analyses the work of a half-dozen leading practitioners of this specialist art. By focusing specifically on their Shakespearean work, it also offers a fresh, exciting perspective on some of the best-known drama of all time. Shakespeare’s plays offer an unusual range of opportunities to designers. As they were written for a theatre which gave no opportunity for scenic support or embellishment, designers are freed from any compulsion to imitate original practices. This has resulted in the extraordinarily diverse range of works presented in this volume, which considers among others the work of Josef Svoboda, Karl-Ernst Herrmann, Ming Cho Lee, Alison Chitty, Robert Wilson, Societas Raffaello Sanzio, Filter Theatre, Catherine Zuber, John Bury , Christopher Morley, Ralph Koltai and Sean Kenny. Designers’ Shakespeare joins Actors’ Shakespeare and Directors’ Shakespeare as essential reading for lovers of Shakespeare from theatre-goers and students to directors and theatre designers.