Introduction to Production: Creating Theatre Onstage, Backstage, & Offstage

Introduction to Production: Creating Theatre Onstage, Backstage, & Offstage defines the collaborative art of making theatre and the various job positions that go into realizing a production. Beginning with an overview of the art and industry of theatre, the book shows how theatre has evolved through history. The book then breaks down the nuts and bolts of the industry by looking at each professional role within it: from the topmost position of the producer down to the gopher, or production assistant. Each of these positions are defined along with their respective duties, rules, and resources that figure in obtaining these jobs. Each chapter offers exercises, links to videos and websites, review quizzes, and suggested readings to learn more about the creation and production of theatre.

Robert Sutherland-Cohen is the Associate Professor of Stage Management and Production Manager at Brooklyn College. He has been production stage manager for numerous Broadway and regional productions, as well as New York City Opera. His diverse career in live performance presentations includes: Entertainment Operations Manager for the Tropicana, Production Coordinator for Lincoln Center Festivals, and Associate Producer/Writer for Westinghouse TV. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Stage Managers’ Association, of which he was a founding member and former chairperson. He has taught at both Emerson College and Stockton State College, and has delivered guest lectures at Yale University, SUNY Purchase, and West Chester University.