By Thomas S. Hischak

About the Author
Preface to the Third Edition
Introduction

Chapter 1 The Theatre
Theatre vs. Drama
What is Theatre?
The Theatre Experience
From Page to Stage
Theatre as Change
Theatre Conventions
Place
Time
Acting
The Mask
Unique Conventions
Theatre is Plural
Four Theatre Events
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Chapter 2 The Play
The Script
About Four Scripts
Macbeth
You Can't Take It with You
A Raisin in the Sun
Hamilton
The Elements of Drama
Plot
Character
Theme
Diction
Music
Spectacle
Types of Drama
Fantasy
Dramatic Structure
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Chapter 3 The Playwright
The Blueprint
Meet the Playwrights
The Germinal Idea
The Playwright's Process
Plot
Character
Revision and Rewriting
Evaluating the Playwright's Work
Plot
Character
Diction
Theme
The Business of Playwriting
Looking at Twenty-One American and British Playwrights
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Chapter 4 The Play Performers: The Actors
Acting vs. Role-Playing
Acting as an Art and a Craft
A Brief History of Acting
Premodern Acting
Modern Acting
Theories of Acting
An Actor's Tool
The Actor's Process
Analysis
Rehearsal
Sustaining a Performance
The Business of Acting
Auditions
Professional Union
Evaluating the Actor
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Chapter 5 The Play Makers I: The Director and the Choreographer
Behind the Scenes
The Art of Directing
Theatre Styles
Realism
Romanticism
Expressionism
Other Isms
A Brief History of Directing
The Directing Process
Play Selection
Analysis
Casting
Rehearsals
Performance
Musicals
The Business of Directing
Evaluating the Director and Choreographer
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Chapter 6 The Play Makers II: The Producer
What is a Producer?
The Business of Producing
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Chapter 7 The Play Builders I: Theatre Architecture and Scenic Designers
Theatre Architecture
Proscenium Stage
Thrust Stage
Arena Stage
Flexible Space
Scenic Design
Research
Graphic Designs
Implementation
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Chapter 8 The Play Builders II: The Other Designers
Costume Design
Functions of Costume Design
The Costume Designer's Process
Lighting Design
A Brief History of Theatre Lighting
The Function and Elements of Theatre Lighting
Intensity
Distribution
Color
The Lighting Designer's Process
Sound Design
Acoustics
Amplification
Sound Effects
Theatre Properties
Makeup in the Theatre
New Technology
The Business of Theatre Design
Evaluating Theatre Design
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Chapter 9 The Playgoers I: The Audience
Theatre Today
Where Theatre Happens
Broadway
The Road
Off Broadway
Off-Off-Broadway
Regional or Resident Theatre
Theatregoing in Great Britain
Summer Theatre
Theatre Festivals
Dinner Theatre
Community Theatre
Children's Theatre
Educational Theatre
Alternative Theatre
Experimental Theatre
Street and Guerrilla Theatre
Performance Art
Theatre of Diversity
African American Theatre
Latinex Theatre
Asian American Theatre
Native American Theatre
Feminist Theatre
Gay and Lesbian Theatre
Foreign Influences
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Chapter 10 The Playgoers II: The Critic
Theatre Criticism
Critics and Reviews
The Student as Critic
Topics for Group Discussion
Possible Research Projects
Further Reading

Parting Thoughts
Glossary
Websites to Visit
Film and Video Versions of the Plays
Index