Should be required reading for anyone in theater–onstage, backstage, front of house, anyone.

Goes into all the terminology, theater facility setup, how to run rehearsals, to organize props, to schedule actors, how to make notes on scripts that actually help actors and tech folks out, etc. Very, very good read. I have bought this book several times for folks helping out on our shows.

This book is an absolute must for anyone who’s trying decide what show their theater should do, from the high school drama teacher to the pro, but it’s also fun to read about shows you may have never heard about or won’t necessarily see any time soon. It’s filled with various shows grouped into different categories, for example shows that feature a lot of dance, showcase a star performer or would be cheap to produce. Each show features a short synopsis, a list of the show’s assets and liabilities, what type of characters are needed, as well as dance, set, costume and instrumental requirement. They also add in suggestions to directors/producers with insider tips for each show. It’s also a valuable tool for the actor since I’ve used it so many times as a starting point to help me decide whether or not to audtion for a paricular musical and what part to aim for when I audition. There are two editions with the last one coming out last year. Some of the shows from the first edition have been edited out of the second, but the second edition includes a large amount of newer shows such as “Ragtime” or “Urinetown”. Highly recommended!