"Focusing on the analytical, intellectual, and artistic 'how and why' of the design process, Brewster and Shafer have written a wonderful, insightful text for young designers "—Vickie J. Scott, Dept. of Theatre and Dance, UC Santa Barbara Veteran theater designers Karen Brewster and Melissa Shafer have consulted with a broad range of seasoned theater industry professionals to provide an exhaustive guide full of sound advice and insight. With clear examples and hands-on exercises, Fundamentals of Theatrical Design illustrates the way in which the three major areas of theatrical design—scenery, costumes, and lighting—are intrinsically linked. Chapters include: Script Analysis for Designers - The Objectives of Theatrical Design - Researching the Design - Collaboration - Design Elements - Design Principles and Visual Composition - Scenic Design - Costume Design - Lighting Design - Building a Career in Theater Design Attractively priced and designed for classroom use, this is a comprehensive resource for all levels of designers and directors. "Has the power to inspire as well as inform, and college theater departments that don't adopt it as part of their book lists are missing out on a real treasure." --Martin A. David, New York Journal of Books Praise for Fundamentals of Theatrical Design "Focusing on the analytical, intellectual, and artistic 'how and why' of the design process, Brewster and Shafer have written a wonderful, insightful text for young designers--in fact, for all collaborative artists. I've been hoping for a design text of this caliber for a long time" Vickie J. Scott, Director of Design, Department of Theatre and Dance, University of California Santa Barbara " This text is a clearly presented, thorough introduction to scenic, costume, and lighting design. It is a useful tool for educators and a guide for early designers through basic research methods, design skills, and navigating the production process. Offers an insight to the language and culture of theatrical design that would benefit any early designer." Karen Maness, Charge Scenic Artist, Texas Performing Arts, The University of Texas at Austin " An excellent text for beginning theater students no matter what their interest(s) might be. It will be of benefit to serious high school drama programs as well as college theater programs. Several things make this book outstanding, especially the superb practical exercises at the end of each chapter, which teach needed skills in a way that is interesting and accessible to the student no matter the level. The appendices will also be extremely valuable to novice design students." Martha A. Marking, Professor of Costume/Makeup Design, Appalachian State University Karen Brewster is an associate professor of theater at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). She lives in Johnson City, Tennessee. Melissa Shafer is a scenic and lighting designer and technical director at East Tennessee State University. She lives in Johnson City, Tennessee.