Stagecraft Fundamentals: A Guide and Reference for Theatrical Production

Stagecraft Fundamentals is the only book that tackles every aspect of theatre production. The history of stagecraft, safety precautions, lighting, costumes, scenery, career planning tips, and more are discussed with modern, color examples that display both step-by-step procedures and the finished product. From the student beginning in theatre to the practiced, Rita Kogler Carver assembles her vast experience into a one-stop guide for theatrical production. Instructor's manual, additional exercises that coincide with chapters from the book, CAD drawings, color theory, manufacturing information, and other resources can be found at www.StageCraftFundamentals.com.

Praise for the Book:

Beautifully written! The author has succeeded in relaying technical theatre information without being too technical and putting the reader to sleep.  I read three sentences and instantly knew this book was for me and the way I teach.  When I think back on  the insufferable intro to tech theatre books I had to read, I feel cheated I didn't have this one as a student.  I will be using this text in my class! -- Rob Napoli, Designer and Technical Director at Penn State University, Berks Campus

This text has temped me to return to teaching with a textbook for the first time in seven years.  The language is both accessible and informal yet the text goes a long way in debunking some of the typical jargon that may alienate students just getting into the field, or trying it out for the first time.  The illustrations (the text is full of them) coupled with the stories reinforce the fundamental information being conveyed. -- John Paul Devlin, Associate Professor of Theatre at Saint Michael's College

What a great idea!  Thank heavens someone is doing this for students at that impressionable age.  That has been one of my mantras - education of teachers and students on the use of scenic materials.  The teachers don't have enough time in college to learn and do everything they have to teach.  Most get thrown into the theatre area by default and struggle with designing/building/painting the scenery. -- Jenny Knott, Rosco

Stagecraft Fundamentals is beautifully illustrated throughout, and the pofusion of color on every page gives this textbook the appearance of a coffee table book.  The writing is clear and personal, which should be very appealing to students.  Rita Carver covers all aspects of theatre production from scenery, to lighting, to an actor's makeup.  Her close ties to the New York theatre scene gives this book a special insight into the professional world, one that goes well beyond what is found in most college textbooks. -- John Holloway, Professor in the Theatre Department at the University of Kentucky and President of the International Association of Theatrical stage Employees (IATSE) Local 346.

I can't thank you enough for Stagecraft Fundamentals.  I have been teaching stagecraft since 1976 and you have saved me from the nightmare of writing a text to suit my class needs..After two semesters with your text, I have found that I had more time to develop the skills necessary within the classroom than before.   The humor that you have infused in the book has enticed my students to read on.  That alone makes this text invaluable.
--Meta Lasch, Assistant Professor, West Liberty University

Rita Kogler Carver is currently the executive artistic director of DragonFly Performing Arts, Inc. and a managing member of BearFly Designs, LLC. She has worked professionally as a theatrically trained designer for almost 20 years, and as an Associate Lighting Designer for Broadway Theatre, Regional Theatre, Dance and Opera. Ms. Carver won an Emmy Award for her Lighting Design work on the "2000 Sydney Olympics." She also won an Emmy nomination for the "Montel Williams Show," as well as a Silver Axiem Award for "Elmo's World."
Rita Kogler Carver is currently the executive artistic director of DragonFly Performing Arts, Inc. and a managing member of BearFly Designs, LLC. She has worked professionally as a theatrically trained designer for almost 20 years, and as an Associate Lighting Designer for Broadway Theatre, Regional Theatre, Dance and Opera. Ms. Carver won an Emmy Award for her Lighting Design work on the "2000 Sydney Olympics." She also won an Emmy nomination for the "Montel Williams Show," as well as a Silver Axiem Award for "Elmo's World."