This book represents a life time of knowledge of practical technical theatre information. It doesn't treat you like you should already know this information. It is easy to read and spells out the smallest of details so that if you have never picked up a hammer you can use this to construct your design.

If I could only buy one book to instruct me as a "How to guide" this would be it.

6 of 6 found the following review helpful:


The Perfect Illustration  Sep 05, 2003 By Charlie Hukill
John Holloway's stagecraft textbook, "Illustrated Theatre Production Guide", is an excellent introductory text to basic scenery construction and stage work. The text is clear and succinct with carefully drawn illustrations providing instructions on the use and operation of stage equipment and the construction of useful scenic elements. Mr. Holloway's direct manner of writing makes the book very readable and easily accessible to students of theatre technology. The information included is thorough and very valid for any theatre program and the volume will prove to be a solid reference text for any technical theatre program. It has proven to be successful in the classroom and helpful to the beginning as well as the seasoned stage practitioner. The illustrations are particularly helpful in further clarifying scenery construction and operations. I recommend this text for any beginning or advanced stagecraft class.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:


Illustrated Theatre Production Guide  Feb 17, 2011 By Penetralia
This is a useful book for both students of theater and for those interested in constructing traditional stages for performances. The beneficial aspect of the Theatre Production Guide is the "Illustrations" that provide close-up details for every aspect of set up, which includes equipment or tools needed, lighting, and how to put everything together step-by-step.

On the contrary, for vehicles like "Signaling Through the Flames" and others interested in alternative theater production, such as setting up solar or generator powered [self-sustaining] systems in off-grid operations like Burning Man, this book would not be recommended, as it is for traditional theaters only.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:


Terrific guide to the basics of theatrical production--great class text!  Feb 02, 2011 By Walt Boyes "Walt Boyes"
John Holloway's ILLUSTRATED THEATRE PRODUCTION GUIDE, SECOND EDITION, is a slim volume that holds many important secrets of the theatrical professional. How to build a flat, how to run lights, how to build a stage floor, basic electricity for theatre techs...all of these are serious skills that every technical theatre professional needs to know. It is simple enough to be used as a textbook in an introduction to theatre tech in high school or community college, and it could even be used in some college programs.

It is lavishly illustrated, which makes it easy for the novice to actually see what Holloway is talking about. I learned from the old Parker and Smith text, but this one is updated, and far better for stage production.

Nice book. Read it if you are interested in what goes on backstage, or if you want to learn how to do what goes on backstage.

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