The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information

Rating:
Summary: An excellent reference to keep close at hand.
Review: A wonderful compilation of knowlege and "other stuff you need to know" when on set or backstage.As an overall theatrical/stage manual, this is a superior manual. As for the feature film world: it is an indespensible reference for Leadpersons and Art Directors. It is almost a MUST for Grips. Electrics will benefit more from Harry Box's "The Set Lighting Technician's Handbook".

Rating:
Summary: A theatrical reference for the real world.
Review: I'm a "theatrical rat" and have found Paul Carter's book very useful both in theater and at home. The book was intended to be a source of information, both mainstream and obscure, for the technical theater community. However, if one needs a survival guide for any purpose, The Backstage Handbook will do the job. Buy it now. *****(out of 5)..

Rating:
Summary: A theatrical reference for the real world.
Review: I'm a "theatrical rat" and have found Paul Carter's book very useful both in theater and at home. The book was intended to be a source of information, both mainstream and obscure, for the technical theater community. However, if one needs a survival guide for any purpose, The Backstage Handbook will do the job. Buy it now. *****(out of 5)..

Rating:
Summary: A Standard in need of a new Printing
Review: I've used this book as a 'bible' for ten years. There is nothing like it. It is concise, exact and obviously created by actual working live production personnel. Paul Carter fills a much needed lack of reference material in the production field. The illustrations/drawings are more than worth the price of admission. It is most unfortunate that Paul is not here to create new editions. Please keep this in print!

Rating:
Summary: A Standard in need of a new Printing
Review: I've used this book as a 'bible' for ten years. There is nothing like it. It is concise, exact and obviously created by actual working live production personnel. Paul Carter fills a much needed lack of reference material in the production field. The illustrations/drawings are more than worth the price of admission. It is most unfortunate that Paul is not here to create new editions. Please keep this in print!

Rating:
Summary: You need this book...
Review: If you are a carpenter or a physician, you need this reference book. It talks the talk and diagrams the walk. I've bought many for friends and family... I turned them on to the age-old knowledge therein ;-)

Rating:
Summary: You need this book...
Review: If you are a carpenter or a physician, you need this reference book. It talks the talk and diagrams the walk. I've bought many for friends and family... I turned them on to the age-old knowledge therein ;-)

Rating:
Summary: The Tech Library
Review: Of course this book is great, but for the ultimate reference library backstage, please search out a copy of PocketRef or DeskRef. They're the same book, just one is desk size, the other...well, I'll let you figure this one out. Trust me. DeskRef has everything. It isn't geared at theatre directly, so it has lots of formulas that "come up" backstage in those situations where real world advise is needed quickly. Get a copy. Please. You will thank me

Rating:
Summary: Essential to all students and practicioners of theatre
Review: Quite possibly the best reference of it's kind, this book condenses the most commonly needed answers to the most commonly asked questions of technical theatre into a convenient volume. I keep it in my tool bag, and it has proved exceptionally useful. Carter has collected all those thing that you're bound to forget. Get a copy, keep it with your tools, and never have to go crazy trying to find the elusive bit of knowledge you seem to have suddenly forgotten!

Rating:
Summary: Essential to all students and practicioners of theatre
Review: Quite possibly the best reference of it's kind, this book condenses the most commonly needed answers to the most commonly asked questions of technical theatre into a convenient volume. I keep it in my tool bag, and it has proved exceptionally useful. Carter has collected all those thing that you're bound to forget. Get a copy, keep it with your tools, and never have to go crazy trying to find the elusive bit of knowledge you seem to have suddenly forgotten!