(Part 2) Best stagecraft books according to redditors
We found 254 Reddit comments discussing the best stagecraft books. We ranked the 79 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
Pattern drafting and clothing sketches are two entirely different things. I didn’t get much out of school in terms of sketching but some books that helped me were Illustration Techniques - Takamura Fashion Illustrator - Morris and this one which was a textbook of ours Fashion Drawing - Bryant. When it comes to flat pattern making, “art” and “drawing” have little to do with it, it’s measurements, rulers, curves, tracing paper (medical doctors office paper is my favourite), cardstock “oaktag” paper, mechanical pencils and the foggy kind of cello tape you can draw on. Basically you learn to make a bland sheath to fit the body first (“block”) then you can learn to manipulate the block into different pieces and designs and there you go, you’re drafting. It’s the whole reason I’m in school right now and if they had it on YouTube I would never have bothered enrolling.
The best books for that are first and foremost Patternmaking for Fashion Design - Joseph-Armstrong, Patterncutting/Patternmaking - Chunman-Lo and I’m looking forward to getting The Costume Technician's Handbook (3rd Edition) - Ingham/Covey which a classmate said is great for blockmaking, and Metric Pattern Cutting for Women's Wear - Aldrich which I’ve been told is a staple.
As far as editions, the later ones of Patternmaking for Fashion Design are better for basic block making and they have way more than the earlier ones, and the girl who put me on to the Technician’s book said the 3rd is essential. The rest I wouldn’t really know because I haven’t used them extensively. Afaik Chunman-Lo’s book has only one edition.
There’s also Fitting and Pattern Alteration- Liechty/Rasbrand/Pottberg-Steineckert. We haven’t used it yet but it’s on the curriculum.
With these resources either bought or borrowed from the library you’ll learn everything a fashion student learns. As far as sketching goes, YouTubers are out there and can help, and practice makes perfect.
I hope this helps. Post progress photos so we can see how well you’re doing! Good luck.
A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting Pretty much everything I've been taught in undergrad is referenced in this book.
For sound, the Yamaha Sound Reinforcement Handbook has a good bit of the basic math.
Rigging Math Made Simple is another good choice
Haha — third person who grew up in a religious household checking in here (35-y.o. heterosexual male, for what it's worth). Also about 5 when I have my first memory of this popped up, then about 11 or 12 when it came roaring back.
I've spent a long time digging into where and what my fetish stems from. There's two books I'd start with:
I wrote about my own experience (and mentioned those two books above) over here, a post I wrote a year ago, I guess.
As far as where I'm at with the "where does it come from?" question, I think there's a temptation — and the Hemingway book goes all in on this, more than eager to escort you down this path — of telling you these grandiose, Freudian answers about repressed feelings of homosexuality and emasculation. I suspect this feeds a desire to see epic answers to what feel like our own epic problems. I've read Dan Savage's column for years and listening to his podcast for the past decade or so — fetishes are something he talks about a lot. It was on his podcast that I was introduced to Jesse Bering and his book "Perv." This might actually be the best book to start with, but I'm mentioning it third because I think of it as corrective to the Hemingway book.
A major thing I recently came across via Dan Savage, and I really wish I had bookmarked the source but I can't seem to find it now, so I'll paraphrase from memory: basically, some newer study has found that the majority of people are sexually "unusual" — they have at least one kink. If I remember correctly, it's not a massive majority, but it's a majority. Of course this majority is split up into tiny segments that don't feel a strong connection with one another outside the abstract, so we all feel like we're tiny minorities. This can/should shift how we think about sexual fetishes, though. I suspect there's just a lot of potential for crosswiring in the brain, something other species are less likely to experience. My pet hypothesis of the moment: I was just watching this new Netflix thing on Creativity, and the host (a neuroscientist) is talking about how most animals have their input and output parts of their brain directly connected, so they never really change behaviors. We have this rapidly evolved giant brain that puts a lot of gray goop in between the input and output, and the host is suggesting that information passing through there leads to humans' creativity. I suspect something similar happens with out sexuality, associating stimuli that isn't directly sexual organs with sex.
Don't be so sure.
Sori na kasnom odgovoru. Za fotografiju je najbolje potražiiti sadržaj o kompoziciji i boji. Iskreno, radije bi ti preporučio knjige od Burne Hogartha, pogotovo Dynamic Light and Shade. Knjige iz likovnih umjetnosti će ti daleko više pomoći oko fotografije nego knjige o fotografiji.
Što se tiče režije, scenaristike i montaže - najbolje je to skupno gledati kao jedno širinu, ali i cjelinu. Da bi se bavio režijom moraš poznavati scenaristiku i scenarističke tehnike, a da bi se bavio montažom moraš razumjeti režiju koja podrazumijeva razumijevanje scenaristike - i tako u krug. Fora kod filma/TV-a je da svi "zanati" postoje negdje drugdje osim montaže. Gluma postoji izvan Filma i TV-a, fotografija također, scenaristika također... jedino je montaža jedinstven zanat svojstven filmu i tv-u. Gledaj na montažu kao na ključni dio u procesu proizvodnje za koji izrađuješ sav materijal. Stoga podijeli učenje na pet cjelina: Fotografija, Montaža, Storytelling, Režija, Gluma.
Fotografija
Montaža
Storytelling
Režija
Gluma
Ima tu još dosta sadržaja kojeg bi bilo dobro spomenuti (recimo Sanford Meisnerova nadogradnja Stanislavskove škole glume i sl. ), ali ovo je već više nego dovoljno za dobar, široki, uvod u temu. Sve navedene knjige (osim za fotografiju) se koriste kao štivo na Columbiji i na Chapmanu i ostalim top filmskim školama. Razlika između čitanja štiva i učestvovanja na nastavi je što imaju i radionice - koje su iznimno bitne kod glume zbog glumačkih vježbi i redateljskih uputa. Kod nas nažalost ne postoji neka radionica i/ili glumačka škola koja radi po punom i ispravnom sustavu Stanislavskog, a kamoli po Meisneru, tako da ćeš i za to morati van.
Designing with Light is a great introduction to design, the price is criminal https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Light-Introduction-Stage-Lighting/dp/0073514233/ref=dp_ob_title_bk
A Practical guide to Stage Lighting is one of the best and most complete books on the subject https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Stage-Lighting-Third/dp/0415812003/ref=pd_sim_14_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=51wHNTlRvuL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR124%2C160_&refRID=F1TC2GN49HDAM9GJ75ZZ
The Design Idea is a great book on design https://www.amazon.com/Lighting-Design-Idea-Wadsworth-Theatre/dp/1111836868/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1465919421&sr=1-1&keywords=linda+essig
Stage Lighting Design: The Art, Craft and Life is another great book https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting-Design-Craft-Life/dp/0896762351/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1465919500&sr=1-1&keywords=richard+pilbrow
There are my top 4 lets see what others suggest.
Someone found a copy of Stage Lighting in the Boondocks.
A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting by Steve Shelley
Designing With Light by J. Michael Gillette
These are the two staple textbooks for any lighting design class.
Continued because it was too long lmao
11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals.
I honestly really want to get into acting. I love movies and TV shows, and I really would love to start acting. For that reason, this book would be a great addition to my library and would probably teach me a lot.
This book also looks like it would be a good learning experience. :)
I found another great read! I'll pretty much take any acting books I can get.
12.) One of those pesky Add-On items.
Pop Funkos are honestly my go-to add-on item. Like this little fella, for instance. Adorable and affordable (did I just make up a saying? I do believe I did).
What's that? Ah, yes. Pops. The source of my broke-ness. Have another..
Oh, you think I'm done. HA. I'm too far deep to dig myself out of the hole that is my ever-growing collection of Pops. Infinity War just came out (no spoilers, I really want to see it but haven't gotten the chance yet), so how about this adorable Thor Pop? Who doesn't love Thor?
13.) Something fandom related. (Sports fandoms are acceptable- bonus if someone figures out my favorite team)
My favorite band happens to be Twenty One Pilots... and this is a pretty sick shirt.
I'm sorry, I'm still thinking about Infinity War from up above. I found a Thanos shirt that is honestly super cool. Like I've never seen it before and now I want it lmao.
I recently got gifted this absolutely gorgeous and cool Hawkeye T-shirt. It has BOTH Hawkeyes from the comics on it! Super cool.
14.) Something ridiculously priced, more than $10,000. They exist, y’all.
Who the absolute heck buys a $180,000 watch?! Not me, that's for sure.
I'm honestly not even sure what this is, but it's expensive as heck and you could put that money toward an ACTUAL CAR.
Y'all need a parking lift? I gotchu.
15.) Something with sharks or unicorns.
Who doesn't love socks?. Especially socks with unicorns.
You ask for sharks, I get you sharks.
Also no joke this is the cutest thing I've ever seen oh my gosh.
16.) Something that smells wonderful.
I have a cinnamon candle (not that exact one) and I absolutely love it to death.
Who doesn't love coconut lime? I know I love it.
Have you ever thought to yourself, "damn, I really like me the smell of cilantro"? Well, look no further.
17.) A toy that you wanted or had when you were a child that was the best ever, or (if it’s not on amazon) a toy that you think is pretty cool now (Funko Pops, etc., will count.)
If you never played Clue, did you ever really have a childhood?
Another cool toy I had was something like this cool tent-like bus. The one I had had separate sections that were detachable. It was super cool.
I know it's not technically a toy, but I used to watch The Land Before Time ALL the time. I still love that show. It's so, so good.
18.) Something that would be helpful for writers.
Just getting started on writing? Writing for Dummies is always a good place to start.
If you're writing (especially on a computer), you're gonna eventually need some Advil, whether it's from writer's block or a headache from staring at the computer screen too long.
I know it might not be considered useful, but I always thought an ink pen was super cool to have, especially for writers.
19.) Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be.
I don't know why, but I suddenly really like Harley Quinn's character. I've been getting, like all the Funko Pops of her. I have a problem.
Oh gosh, you shouldn't have asked. I finally finished catching up to The Walking Dead, and now I want everything Negan related. Like, seriously, I just bought a bloody Lucille of my own. Someone stop me. Anyway, here's a cute little Lucille keychain that I've never seen before.
Another thing I really like is Kylo Ren, but I think you already know that. This BrickHeadz is adorable.
20.) Something that is just so random and weird that it makes you laugh.
This oh my gosh i am dying.
Also idk why but just the lady's posture and the huge heckin' bear is k i l l i n g me.
I don't know how I stumbled upon this weirdass thing but the more I look at it the funnier it is.
Also, this whole thing took me like an hour but it was so much fun. Thanks for the contest!
As suggested animated knots for tying. The book https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007XUG2UC/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 practical rigging is great. Did a course with the guy who wrote it and he knows his stuff. Check out an app called bridle that calculates your loads and leg lengths for y-hangs without the maths. Also I'd just rig up a few z-rigs etc to demonstrate the mechanics of pulleys and lifting. Generally I only ever teach a bowline and clove hitch to students.
There's a book on Vectorworks specifically for theater.
https://www.amazon.com/Vectorworks-Entertainment-Design-Document-Lighting/dp/0415726131/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503902637&sr=1-1&keywords=vectorworks
It's one thing to learn the "how", it's another thing to learn the "why". I highly recommend doing some reading/research on the concepts of lighting design: when, why and how to use lighting to help tell the story. Some starting suggestions:
https://www.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting-Design-Craft-Life/dp/1854599968/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1496027350&sr=1-3&keywords=stage+lighting
https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Stage-Lighting-Third/dp/0415812003/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1496027350&sr=1-4&keywords=stage+lighting
https://www.amazon.com/Light-Fantastic-Design-Stage-Lighting/dp/3791343718/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1496027350&sr=1-5&keywords=stage+lighting
For alternations and minor design changes I like this: Fitting & Pattern Alteration. It's a textbook so it's pricey but the older editions are just a good and cheaper. I learned the seam method from Lorraine Henry's seminars at expo's. I think you find some on youtube to get a good idea of the process.
Also, you need this book: Stage Lighting in the Boondocks: A Stage Lighting Manual for Simplified Stagecraft Systems
Blind luck and persistence. Sadly no-one is going to pay you to learn how to do the job. So what you need to do is get in touch with theatre companies in your area and some other events companies and tell them you will work for free to gain a bit of experience.
Ask a load of questions, you need to learn about what all the lamps do and what purpose they serve and in what situation you will use them. This used to be a lot easier when it was just a load of generics on dimmer channels but moving lights and LED's have replaced the lighting shows of old. This book is a good jumping off point.
Once you've got some experience and your foot in the door start asking if they have any paid roles while you search for work with your new found experience.
Once you have learned the following things.
You then need to download this software and learn how to operate a lighting desk. Read the manual and you should have picked up enough to have a good go.
And then learn sound, rigging, stage building, production management, how to smoke 40 a day without your boss noticing and come and join us in neverland.
So last year November Humble Bundle put out a bundle of cosplay books. I got the whole thing and while a lot if them were very short and sweet and focused on one specific thing there was one that I really liked and I covered a lot. I have not finished the book but I am actually reading it cover to cover and it had a lot of good info.
https://www.amazon.com/Make-Costume-Realistic-Science-Accessories-ebook/dp/B01M0VBF7R
If you don't want to buy a book I would set aside and evening andf scour YouTube for free tutorials. There are tons out there. You could even try searching for a tutorial for Nami's staff. There might be a couple. Really depends on the tools you have at home and what your comfortable working with.
Books I recommend / see commonly recommended.
Show Networks and Control Systems
This is a great book all about how modern lighting networks work using sACN and other protocols. John Huntington is a great speaker if you ever get a chance to see him speak. He should be doing a session or two as USITT this year. He is also a professor at CUNY and has a great program there.
Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technician
Another great book by another great speaker. I got to see a panel with Richard Cadena a few years ago at USITT. I was very impressed with how he spoke about stage lighting and some of the practical experiments that he has done and shared with us. I haven't read this book, but I've heard great things about it. A big topic of conversation at that panel was inrush current, and he gave some really great and easy to understand answers. I suspect that his book is more of the same.
Designing with Light
A classic. Very very well respected book. It will probably be the text book for your first lighting class in college, if you choose to study lighting in college.
[Light Fantastic: The Art and Design of Stage Lighting] (https://www.amazon.com/Light-Fantastic-Design-Stage-Lighting/dp/3791343718)
My favorite lighting book. Covers a huge array of topics, addresses lighting history & color, shows and demonstrates some really really interesting designs.
A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting
I see this book recommended most often. It's another great book. The title holds true, it is a very practical guide to stage lighting. How to do paperwork. How to write a contract. How to talk to people. Some nuggets of lighting knowledge. I didn't really get as much out of it though, as I am not trying to become a professional lighting designer.
FrostD makes a good point.
There are some standard textbooks that you might look into (with the accompanying knowledge that they will carry textbook-like price tags). I've found them more useful than websites, mostly because I had a lot of trouble finding any websites that did a broad overview of stage lighting.
Shelley's A Practical Guide to Lighting the Stage is a pretty well known one.
Personally, I learned a lot from Gillette's Designing with Light. But I also encountered it after I'd had some experience with the actual lighting instruments. So I remember it as a great introduction to "how do I design," but I can't remember if it covers any of the "this is a fresnel, this is a par" things.
If you want to learn how to program cues, I'd look into tutorials (or at least manuals) relating to whichever board you are likely to work with. If you don't know which board you're most likely to work with, there's a decent chance you'll end up behind an ETC Express [citation needed].
While I'm recommending texts, if you want to figure out how to draft a light plot (likely a further-down-the-line thing in your education), Hillmar's Light Plot Deconstructed is a pretty good way of learning how to make a plot in Vectorworks.
But really, the best way to learn is to do, or at least to be around people who do. If you're going to school, check out if the theatre program (if it exists) would like an extra set of hands on the next load-in/strike. Or if they need a board op (which was one of my favorite ways to pick up on lighting design without needing a lot of prior knowledge or experience).
If you're not going to school atm, see if there are theatres nearby who might want help. Often, even small places (high schools, churches, restaurants that host live acts) will have their normal "lighting guy/gal" they could put you in touch with. Most should be willing to at least point you in the right direction, even if they don't end up wanting/needing a hand with things.
This isn't by any stretch a complete guide, but hopefully it's enough to get you started in some direction or other.
I got the pattern from here - it's got all sizes from 18" waist (eek!) to 26" waist, and there's very clear instructions. It's a good pattern for using up odds and ends as each pattern piece is really small.
I have bought loads of things from that website and she's always been really good, although it's based in the UK so I don't know how well they ship internationally.
there is an alternative riding/hunting corset pattern in this book - I haven't made it yet, but the book is a great resource for corsetry fans!
This book is worth every penny if you’re an LD looking to hone your color mixing skills.
Disclaimer: I have no relation to the production or marketing of the book. I just think it’s good.
Color & Light: Navigating Color... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1935247190?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
O tal vez quieras leerlo en Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MTFTK1F
Read these books. They won't make you a rigger but you'll have a better appreciation of what you are dealing with.
The Arena Riggers' Handbook
Rigging Math Made Simple
Stage Rigging Handbook
Entertainment Rigging for the 21st Century
The Theatre Riggers' Handbook
Structural Design for the Stage
The Physics of Theatre: Mechanics
I often use this book as a reference, maybe it will help you out! Lots of great information and techniques for build.
Stock Scenery Construction : A Handbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/0911747389/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-4yUAb3649ZK9
For stage flats you can use canvas stretched tight over the frames, or try lauan (1/8” plywood) stapled to your flat, but there is more than one way to skin a flat! Hope this helps!
There is a book call Rigging Math Made Simple. Everything is basically arithmetic and simple algebra.
There is a website created by the guy who wrote the book that you can find here. The website is of little use without understanding the principles behind the math. There is also an app available (same name) that is slightly more helpful because it actually includes the equations used for each situation.
Book+app is like $25 all in but they're nice tools that will put you ahead of 95% of people on a stage.
I think that the books by this author are supposed to be among the best. Unfortunately, I don't know where to suggest finding them in your country. Perhaps you could call some of your local bookstores?