How Does The Show Go On?: An Introduction to the Theater

Filled with detailed explanations, captivating illustrations, and entertaining trivia, this clearly written, lively, and uniquely-designed book is a first-of-its-kind introduction to the world of the Theatre, from the box office to backstage, and beyond. From one side of the book, the reader enters via the front door, where the people and activities of the “front of house” can be examined. From the book’s other side, the reader enters the “Stage Door,” where the behind-the-scenes world of the “Back of house” is revealed.

In exploring this visually-inviting “theatre of the mind,” readers encounter the people, places, occupations, and equipment of the theatre world, and have the opportunity to investigate them all. From the box office and the Usher Staff to the Dressing Rooms and the Backstage doorman, the reader may wander at will within this one-of-a-kind world, discovering the wonders of theatre all along the way.

Thomas Schumacher has spent the past 18 years with The Walt Disney Company setting new standards of excellence in film, television, and theatre. Having spent much of his tenure as president of Feature Animation and Walt Disney Television Animation, he now serves as president of the Buena Vista Theatrical Group. Along with former Walt Disney Studios chairman Peter Schneider, he produced the world premiere of the Broadway musicalThe Lion King, which garnered six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. His other productions includeAida,Beauty and the Beast,Tarzan, and the upcoming Broadway adaptation of Mary Poppins. Jeff Kurtti is the author of more than a dozen books and scores of magazine articles, a writer-director of award-winning documentaries, and a respected public speaker, host, and panel moderator. He is currently the Creative Director of The Walt Disney Family Library (a project of The Walt Disney Family Foundation), and is considered one of the leading authorities on The Walt Disney Company and its history.