Introduction To

Book excerpt: This semester-long, introductory theatre textbook is highly readable and created specifically to instill a strong interest in theatre. Photographs, drawings, and excerpts from plays and other cuttings help illustrate points and nurture theatre appreciation. The book is divided into three sections: Theatre, Drama, and Place; The Production; and Theatre History. This comprehensive text provides a detailed exploration of styles of drama, staging, production, directing, and acting, along with playwriting and all backstage functions. A broad look at theatre history spanning from the beginnings to the twenty-first century also addresses the business of theatre. Each of the 15 chapters ends with a summary and questions for in-class discussion. This theatre text has been classroom tested and updated to be fully adaptable to any teaching environment.