Bibliography of Resources on Technology

Staging/Construction

 Brady, Paul J. and Jay O. Glerum, eds.  Recommended Guidelines for Stage Rigging and Stage Machinery: Specifications and Practices as Developed by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology.  New York: the Institute, 1986.  PN2091 .M3 R42 1986

            Recommendations for the construction and safety of stagecraft mechanisms.

Campbell, Drew.  Technical Theatre for Nontechnical People.  New York: Allworth Press, 1999.  PN2091 .S8 C28 1999

                Concise introduction to the behind-the-scenes aspects of theatre production, including costuming, props, lighting, sound, stage management, and scenery.

Goodwin, John, ed.  British Theatre Design: the Modern Age.  London: Phoenix Illustrated, 1998.  PN2091 .S8 B675 1998

                A very brief history of the title subject--most of the books is a collection of plates depicting solutions to technical problems in a selection of recent British theatrical productions.  Includes a chapter on opera.

Hodge, Francis.  Play Directing: Analysis, Communication, and Style, 5th ed.  Boston, Mass.: Allyn and Bacon, 2000.  PN2053 .H6 2000

                Textbook format covering script analysis, the director/performer relationship, stage design, interpretation, and other issues.  Aimed at theatre, easily adapted to opera.

Keller, Max.  Light Fantastic: the Art and Design of Stage Lighting.  Munich; New York: Prestel, 1999.  PN2091 .E4 K45 1999

                Thorough (and gorgeous) examination of the creation of lighting effects.

Koslowski, Rob.  The Actor's Guide to the Internet.  Portsmouth, N.H.: Heinemann, 2000.  PN2071 .C58 K69 2000

                Bibliography and guide to Internet resources on subjects such as newsgroups, unions, and online casting.  Includes instructions on creating a website, a directory of suggested URLs, and a companion CD-ROM.

Sutcliffe, Tom, ed.  The Faber Book of Opera.  London: Faber, 2000.  ML1700 .F32 2000

                Fascinating collection of essays (and gossip) on opera, by historical authors--Monteverdi, Beaumarchais, Thackaray, and Stravinsky are a few.

Acting/Movement

Balk, H. Wesley.  The Radiant Performer.  Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1991.  MT956 .B34

                Includes an extensive section on the kinesthetic elements of performance (and the use of physical memory), often forgotten in texts.  Therapy-driven style.

Benedetti, Robert L.  The Actor at Work.  Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1981.  PN 2061 .B39

Berry, Cicely.  Voice and the Actor.  New York: Macmillan, 1973.  PN4197 .B46

                Technically detailed; a helpful introduction for anyone who wants to think about the spoken word in terms of human physiology.

Brockett, Oscar G.  The Theatre - An Introduction, 8th ed.  Boston, Mass.: Allyn and Bacon, 1999.  PN 2101 .B68 1999.

                Reference book with lots of insight. A good starting point.

Caldwell, R.  The Performer Prepares.  Dallas: Pst...Inc., 1990.  MT892 .C34

                Companion video: VCR-2124

                User-friendly introduction to some of the educational approaches to performance. A readable “hands-on” format; explore issues of stage fright.

 Craig, David.  A Performer Prepares: a Guide to Song Preparation for Actors, Singers, and Dancers.  New York: Applause, c1993.  MT892 .C73

On Performing -A Handbook for Actors, Dancers, Singers on the Stage.  New York: McGraw-Hill, 1989.  MT956 .C7

                A series of thoughts and interviews on the nature of musical stage performing, mostly musical theatre. Covers questions such as: 'What do I do with my hands and my feet?'

Delgado, Ramon.  Acting with Both Sides of Your Brain: Perspectives on the Creative Process.  New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1986.  PN2061.D43

                Even more scientific than the Laban book, this book addresses the different ways that actors approach their craft, depending on their brain hemispheric dominance. A fascinating book with some eye-opening exercises. Worth a look.

Franko, Mark, and Annette Richards.  Acting on the Past: Historical Performance Across the Disciplines.  Hanover, N.H.: Wesleyan University Press, pub by University Press of New England, 2000.  NX 212 .A25 2000

Guthrie, Tyrone.  Tyrone Guthrie on Acting.  New York: Viking Press, 1971.  PN2061 .G8

                Like the Craig book, more of a reading book than a series of exercises.  Gives a broad, inspiring introduction to acting.

Helfgot, Daniel.  The Third Line : The Opera Performer as Interpreter.  New York: Schirmer, 1993.  MT892.H44

Kahan, Stanley.  Introduction to Acting.  Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1985.  792 K12I 

                Another good introductory text, with hundreds of illustrative play excerpts. Good foundation for general stage use, e.g. spacing and crossing.

King, Nancy.  Theatre Movement: The Actor and his Space.  New York: Drama Books Specialists/Publishers, 1971. 792.028 K585T

                Exercises for specific elements of the acting process.  Includes sections on warming up, exploring space, non-verbal communication, and exercises for rehearsal and performance.

Kline, P. and Meadors, N.  Physical Movement for the Theatre.  New York: Richards Rosen Press, 1971

Laban, Rudolf von.  The Mastery of Movement.  Boston: Plays, Inc., 1971.  792 L111M

                By the inventor of a dance notation, this is for those who want a scientific approach to movement. Contains some good exercises.

Lawson, Joan.  Mime: The Theory and Practice of Expressive Gesture.  New York: Dance Horizons, 1973.  PN2071.G4 L3 

                Highly specific information on characterization; though overly prescriptive, it is useful if you get stuck trying to create your character’s physical persona. Examples: sweeping with an imaginary broom, walking as an old man.

Mitchell, Theresa.  Movement: from Person to Actor to Character.  Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press, 1998.  PN 2017.M6 M55

                Talks in detail about muscles and posture with some excellent exercises.

Compiled and annotated by Leslie Roberts and Victoria Vaughan, June 2001

Edited by Leslie Roberts, July 6, 2001