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.