Stagecraft Books

Wicked: The Grimmerie, a Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Hit Broadway Musical

David Cote

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 124 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Wicked is not just a musical, it is a phenomenon. Every week 15,000 people pack New York+s Gershwin Theatre to see the show. The most successful musical on Broadway in 2004, Wicked is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Gregory Maguire. It tells the story of Elphaba, the headstrong Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the good witch, growing up in the Land of Oz. The show has cast a spell on fans, many of whom return for second and third viewings. In 2005, the show begins an extensive tour across the United States and Canada, hitting major cities such as Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., and many more.This beautifully packaged, whimsical keepsake is designed to resemble the Grimmerie, an ancient book of spells that Elphaba uses in the show. Wicked: The Grimmerie offers fans a behind-the-curtains peek at the musical, profiles of the cast and creative team, and inside stories, with full-color photographs throughout. Some of the irresistible special features include an -Ozian+ glossary, spells, an illustrated family tree, and a step-by-step look at how Elphaba gets green before each show-everything fans need to relive the Broadway experience day after day.

Who's the Dummy Now?: Winner of America's Got Talent

Terry Fator

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Who's the Dummy Now? 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

This is a very insightful book. It tells what has made Terry Fator, Terry Fator. What he is today is because of his circumstances. It reminds us all not to let our past rule us. It was very welcoming to see that anyone and everyone can acheive success if we have motivation and if we have God on our side. It is really nice to read how one depends on God to help him through. One great book to read. I couldn't put it down. If you are lucky enough to meet this man, you will find that he is facinating and amazing man, not to mention a world class ventriloquist!!!

Editorial Review:

What happened to the boy who suddenly got everything he ever wanted?

He lived happily ever after.

Terry Fator overcame many odds—an abusive father, a peripatetic and isolated childhood, and decades of struggles—before winning America's Got Talent. In one year, he went from being a struggling entertainer to appearing on Oprah, Letterman and Ellen to sold-out shows in Las Vegas and signed as the major headliner on the Strip in Las Vegas at The Mirage. This is the story of the man with the million dollar voice.

An Actor Prepares

Constantin Stanislavski

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Total reviews: 28 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

So much mystery and veneration surrounds the writings of the great Russian teacher and director Stanislavski that perhaps the greatest surprise awaiting a first-time reader of An Actor Prepares is how conversational, commonsensical, and even at times funny this legendary book is. After many productions with the Moscow Arts Company, Stanislavski sought a way to introduce his new style of acting to the world outside of his rehearsal hall. The resulting book is a "mock diary" of an actor describing a series of exercises and rehearsals in which he participates. He details his own emotional and intellectual reactions to each effort, and how his superficial tricks and mannerisms begin to disappear as he increasingly gives over his conscious ego to a faith in the creative power of his subconscious. Rarely has any writer on the theater achieved the sort of lucid and inspired analysis of the acting process as Stanislavski does here, and his introduction of such now-standard concepts as "the unbroken line," "the magic if," and the idea of emotional memory has laid the groundwork for much of the great acting of the 20th century. While much excess and nonsense was to follow in the steps of Stanislavski's writings, his original texts remain invaluable, and surprisingly accessible, to any actor or student of drama. --John Longenbaugh

Patterns of Fashion 4: The Cut and Construction of Linen Shirts, Smocks, Neckwear, Headwear and Accessories for Men and Women C. 1540-1660 (Patterns of Fashion) (Patterns of Fashion)

Janet Arnold

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

No one interested in the history of dress, from art historians to stage designers, from museum curators to teachers of fashion and costume, can function effectively without Janet Arnold's Patterns of Fashion series. Since her untimely death in 1998, admirers of her work have been waiting, with increasing impatience, for the promised volume devoted to the linen clothes of the Elizabethan and early Stuart periods, a companion to her previous volume on tailored clothes of the same era. Planned and partly prepared by Janet herself, and completed by Jenny Tiramani, Janet's last pupil, no other book exists that is dedicated to the linen clothes that covered the body from the skin outwards. It contains full colour portraits and photographs of details of garments in the explanatory section, as well as patterns for 86 items of linen clothing, which range from men's shirts and women's smocks, from superb ruffs and collars to boot hose and children's stomachers. Beautifully produced, it is an invaluable guide to both the history and the recreation of these wonderful garments. There are 178 black and white illustrations and photographs, 86 patterns and detail, 433 color photographs and well as the patterns and details.

Sanford Meisner on Acting

Sanford Meisner, Dennis Longwell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Sanford Meisner has been called "the theater's best-kept secret," and Sanford Meisner on Acting by Dennis Longwell gives some insight into what techniques the hugely influential drama teacher used in his 50-plus years of work. One of the founding members of the Actors Studio (with Lee Strasberg, Stella Adler, and Harold Clurman), Meisner developed his own special lessons based upon his understandings of the great Russian teacher Stanislavsky. Turning away from the sense-memory exercises common among his colleagues, his training focused instead on a realistic approach to imagination and creativity. Unlike many other educators associated with "the Method," Meisner had little tolerance for self-absorption or striving after strong emotional effect, instead preaching that clarity of purpose and efficient use of the psyche are the actor's greatest tools. Longwell's book follows a class of eight men and eight women through one of Meisner's 15-month courses at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse, with extensive transcripts taken directly from Meisner's notes to the students on the basis of their exercises. With an introduction by director Sydney Pollack, one of the many influential artists who studied with Meisner (the book includes accolades from Maureen Stapleton, Arthur Miller, Gregory Peck, and Eli Wallach), this is an excellent introduction that helps to demystify the work of a great theatrical teacher. --John Longenbaugh

The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information

Paul Carter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 24 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

I've been looking for this 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book is an excellent resource for anyone working behind the scenes as a stage hand or anyone in show business.

Editorial Review:

First published in 1988, Backstage Handbook is one of the most widely used stagecraft textbooks in the United States, with about 10,000 copies sold every year.

This handy reference book brings together under one cover an incredible variety of information useful to designers, technicians and students who work behind the scenes in theatre, film and television. Its sturdy leatherette binding will stand up to years of constant use.

The third edition updates this popular reference book with new terminology and materials, and adds dozens of new illustrations of grip hardware, film lighting equipment and painting tools. Backstage Handbook includes chapters on Tools, Hardware, Materials, Electrics, Shop Math, Architecture and Theatre. There are hundreds of illustrations, tables and charts which cover everything from the stock sizes and specs of wood screws, to safe working loads for several kinds of rope, to illustrations of twenty-two types of standard lamp bases.

The Prop Builder’s Molding & Casting Handbook

Thurston James

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

EXCELLENT BOOK 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The most detailed, informative, and educational book for any prop builders in the industry. A "gotta have" book in your library...just EXCELLENT.

Very informative 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book gives great detail about most aspects of molding with good illustrations and step by step instruction that can be followed be a novice, covers various material used in the processes and describes the pro and cons of each.
I think it would be usable in many projects beside prop building.

Very Informative Casting/Molding Book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I have no experience in casting, and don't want to make any more costly mistakes than necessary. This was a very informative book that has given me much more confidence and knowledge to start.
It is the best book I have found so far for my needs, which is actually for casting miniature (1:20.3 scale) details for an outdoor train layout. However, the methods explained are very widespread, and would suit most needs, I would think.

A learning prop makers dream!!!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is the best book for learning about prop making. I learned so much and found that prop making is relatively easy, but time consuming. Yet it is the joy of making something with your own two hands that makes prop making so much fun. This book is a must have for every prop maker and those who want to learn prop making.

Hellboy II: The Art of the Movie

Guillermo del Toro, Mike Mignola, Sergio Sandoval, Francisco Ruis Velasco

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Once again astounding imagery graces the pages of Del Toro's cinematic vision 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Anyone who purchased the first Art of HELLBOY will not be disappointed by this "sequel". Mike Mignola & Wayne Barlowe are now joined by the talents of Francisco Ruiz Valasco & Stephen Scott. Guillermo Del Toro again includes his notebook sketches for some evolutionary insight between his imagining to finished character. The complete & final script is once again included. As impressive as this book is I must admit I am even more eager about the forthcoming Monsters of Hellboy II. But this book does stand alone quite easily for anyone, Either for fans of the series or anyone interested in design.

Editorial Review:

The anticipation is ratcheting up for one of this summer's biggest action-adventure events, Hellboy II: The Golden Army, and Dark Horse is taking you behind the scenes! As we delved into the original box-office hit, this 200-page tome likewise presents the most extensive look into the film's evolution, from early concept art and diary sketches, to photos of the final props, sets, and filming. A unique look at filmmaking and the art of graphic novels. Del Toro and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola once again bring their world-renowned talents to bear on a brand-new chapter in Hellboy's history - a visual feast only they could produce. Get your sneak peek well before the celluloid hits the screen!

Acting: The First Six Lessons. (Theatre Arts Book)

Richard Boleslavsky

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Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Great Book for the Acting Student 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 13 people found this review helpful.

I recently took a scene study class, and the teacher used this book as our reading material for the course. This is a great book to get if you want to find out what it takes to be a serious actor. The book teaches the basic foundations of acting, for example Concentration and Characterization and more.

It is told in a story type format with the Teacher meeting "The Creature" and her aunt and other people in her life. The characters in the book talk about the fundementals of what it takes to act. Because it is told in this format, the ideas in the book are very easy to follow.

I did find that the Teacher refering to his student as "The Creature" was somewhat demeaning. But then you have to consider how long ago this book was written and the time period it was written in. This was probably typical of the period. Even though the actual book was written so long ago, it is a classic for the acting student. And the techniques and methods the Teacher speaks about are things even modern day actors must learn.

If you are interested in the Craft of Acting, this is definately a book you should read.

Editorial Review:

For actors by an actor of rare subtlety and imagination; for directors by a brilliant versatile director. Richard Boleslavsky's knowledge of the theatre was based on wide experience. A member of the Moscow Art Theatre and director of its First Studio, he worked in Russia, Germany and America as actor, director and teacher. On Broadway, he produced plays and musical comedies and he was a leading Hollywood director.

Painting With Light

John Alton

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

While I don't agree with every view in this book, I find this book superior to many on aspects of photography and film 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

First off, I want to note that the author DOES cover still photography in this book even though the major emphasis is on film techniques. As someone who has always considered lighting to be vital, learning more lighting techniques is a passion. I was naturally drawn to this one.

It didn't disappoint. Very convincingly, Mr. Alton makes his case for the way lighting and setting can affect the whole tone and mood of a film. He also reveals how some difficult situations, filming against snow, can be overcome.

This was a seminal book of 1949 and I'm glad to rediscover it, even though I wasn't born in 1949 and I came to it late but had the luck to see an earlier edition. As you can probably tell, the cover photo is riveting and the contents are also compelling.

I did want to note what may, perhaps, be obvious to some readers: film techniques and the ability to manipulate lighting have come a long way since 1949. Special effects can be used. But I come to this book with a still photographer's background and I'm thrilled to be able to use the information in both film and still photography.

If you are prepared to take what is here and remember when this book was written, you'll find an abundance of riches. For those who like noir type photos or movies, you'll be thrilled when Alton discusses how to use weather to your advantage - whether that be rain, snow, fog, etc.

Also, a confession: I prefer black and white photos and films - in many instances - so I was particularly delighted to read Alton's words about "rich blacks", two words that might not seem to be joined together - rich and black (and I'm not talking politics or class here). As most of us who work with visual effects know, there are shades of black and there are rich, deep tones as well as the infinite variations along the scale.

I'll forever be baffled as to whether it is the shadows that set off the light or the other way round. But whatever your take, you can't go wrong by reading this book on how to paint with light - and whether you are a professional or amateur, I think you'll find your work benefits from the experience.

Other subjects covered in this one: close-ups, aspects of outdoor photography, still photos (mentioned above), basic principles. When it comes to TECHNIQUE, if you think about what is discussed with a historical perspective, it will serve you well because some of the techniques have come a long way since then. Still, I found it very useful to pretend that some of those techniques didn't exist and it forced me to be more creative.

Highly recommended!

Editorial Review:

Painting With Light was the first book on cinematography written by a major Hollywood cameraman. Published in 1949 and now put back into print, it is one of the best and most unusual books in the field. Written with good humor and full of helpful diagrams and photographs, it is certainly the most entertaining. Its technological discussions are dated, but Painting With Light remains relevant because its primary focus is on light itself and the many complex ways the camera crew can manipulate it. This new edition contains a biographical introduction by Todd McCarthy, who describes how the man who shot the strikingly colorful ballet sequence in An American in Paris also helped define the stark, haunting style of the film noir.