Reference Reading

Rigging Stage & Machinery

Stage Rigging Handbook, 3rd Ed. Jay O. Glerum, Southern Illinois University Press, 2007 A comprehensive book covering all facets of stage rigging from loads, reactions, and tables of information, to equipment details and operation.

Scenery for the Theatre

Harold Burris-Meyer and Edward Cole, Little, Brown, and Company, 1971 Good chapter on "The Stage and its Equipment."

Theatre Engineering and Stage Machinery

Toshiro Ogawa, Entertainment Technology Press, www.etnow.com, 2001 A reference work that covers every aspect of theatrical machinery and stage technology in global terms. 301 illustrations and 168 photographs.

Arena Rigging

Harry Donovan, Donovan Rigging, Inc., 2002 A comprehensive, practical guide covering all aspects of arena rigging.
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Theatre Design

Building Better Theaters

Michael Mell, Entertainment Technology Press, 2006 This book provides a step-by-step guide to the design and construction of performing arts facilities from the initial decision to build, through to opening night.

Theatres, Planning Guidance for Design and Adaptation

Roderick Ham, Butterworth Architecture, 1987 A good overview of the entire process of designing a theatre containing a great deal of useful information.

Theatres and Auditoriums, 2nd Ed.

Harold Burris-Meyer and Edward Cole, Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co., Inc., 1964 Planning, architecture and construction of theatres, opera houses and multi-use facilities.
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Rope & Cable

Wire Rope Users Manual, 3rd Ed.

Wire Rope Technical Board, 1993 Comprehensive information on wire rope usage.

Macwhyte Wire Rope Handbook, Form 1001B

Wire Rope Corporation of America, Inc., www.wrca.com, 2001

The Ashley Book of Knots

Clifford W. Ashley, Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1944 A historical archive of over 3,000 knots and 7,000 illustrations from the days of sailing ships and pioneer cabins.
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Reference

Backstage Handbook, 3rd. Ed.

Paul Carter, Broadway Press, 1994 An illustrated reference of technical information from a theatrical perspective.

Structural Design for the Stage

Alys E. Holden & Bronislaw J. Sammler, Focal Press, 1999 Provides a foundation in practical structural design for scenery.

Pocket Ref, 2nd Ed.

Thomas J. Glover, Sequoia Publishing, Inc., 1995 A wide ranging reference with tables, charts, and formulas related to carpentry, chemistry, physics, electricity, steel, hardware, finishes, and much more.

Electrical Pal

Paul A. Rosenberg, Engineering Publications Group EPG, Inc., 1996 A basic pocket-size reference for electrical work, including electrical formulas, symbols, wiring, communications, fiber optics, motors, lighting, and more.
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Working Backstage

Scenic Design and Lighting Techniques - A Basic Guide for Theatre

Rob Napoli and Chuck Gloman, Focal Press, 2006 Basic scenic and lighting information in a clear, well written book with many color illustrations and photos.

The Perfect Stage Crew: The Complete Technical Guide for High School, College, and Community Theater

John Kaluta, Allworth Press, 2003 How to make things happen backstage that are essential for a successful production.

HEADS! & Tales

Bill Sapsis, www.sapsis-rigging.com, A compilation of articles and stories written over the past 15 years. This off-beat book is a combination of good safety information, practical advice, humor and gems of wisdom for the stage technician.
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Business Books

ANSI E1.2-2006: Design, Manufacture and Use of Aluminum Trusses and Towers

Entertainment Services & Technology Association, www.esta.org, 2006

Practical Health and Safety Guidelines for School Theatre Operations

Dr. Randall Davidson, Risk International Publishing, 2005

Extensive coverage of health and safety concerns in schools, including maintenance, fire prevention, stage equipment, environmental concerns, necessary skill sets for performing arts instructors, etc. 434 pages.

Becoming a Category of One (book review (pdf))

Joe Calloway, John Wiley and Sons, 2003

Explains how ordinary businesses can become exceptional by knowing and connecting with their customers beyond all expectations. The book takes the reader beyond price and beyond product (both commodity strategies). . . it goes directly to the strategy of creating an "extraordinary" and "legendary" relationship with one's customers.
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