Now in its fourth edition, Illustrated Theatre Production Guide from Focal Press delivers a step-by-step approach to the most prevalent and established theatre production practices, focusing on essential issues related to the construction of wooden, fabric, plastic, and metal scenery used on the stage. Offering techniques and best-practice methods from experienced industry experts, this book allows readers to create a foundation on which to build a successful and resourceful career behind the scenes in theatre production. The new edition has been fully updated to include the latest technology and current practices, with four new chapters on Safety, Automation, Digital Fabrication, the Production Process, and an emphasis on inclusivity and gender-neutral language.

A must-have resource for both the community theatre worker who must be a jack of all trades and the student who needs to learn the fundamentals on his or her own, Illustrated Theatre Production Guide covers all the necessities of theatre production through detailed lessons and hundreds of drawings. The book also includes access to a companion website featuring instruction videos, tips for an eco-friendly production, and additional images and resources.

By John Holloway, Zachary Stribling    Paperback, 452 Pages    964 Black & White Illustrations    Publisher: Routledge Taylor & Francis    Published October 2, 2020

• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Section 1: People and Process
  • 1. Working in the Theatre
  • 2. The Production Process
• Section 2: The Theatre and its Equipment
  • 3. Thrust Theatres
  • 4. Black Box and Experimental Theatres
  • 5. Procenium Theatres
  • 6. Curtians & Backdrops
  • 7. Ropes & Knots
  • 8. Theatre Rigging
  • 9. Arena Rigging
• Section 3: The Scene Shop and its Equipment
  • 10. Shop Safety & PPE
  • 11. Hand Tools
  • 12. Shop Equipment
  • 13. Building Materials
  • 14. Hardware and Other Essential Theatre Supplies
• Section 4: Building Scenery
  • 15. Flats
  • 16. Platforms and Decking
  • 17. Stairs
  • 18. Metal Construction
  • 19. Construction Documents
  • 20. Digital Fabrication
  • 21. Scenic Machinery and Automation
• Section 5: Stage Lighting
  • 22. Electrical Theory
  • 23. Power Distribution
  • 24. Lighting Control
  • 25. Photometrics and Instrumentation
  • 26. Hanging and Focusing
• Section 6: Audio & Video
  • 27. Audio Theory
  • 28. Sound Reinforcement
  • 29. Digital Audio Files
  • 30. Video Projection for the Stage
  • Appendix
  • Index

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How to record the HDMI output in a computer to use it later with edius grass valley 6.55?

A: You can record the HDMI output using a capture device to record on your computer. I use Blackmagic's Shuttle Extreme and also UltraStudio Mini Recorder, but there are many others to choose from.

Q: 2. Can the switcher scale inputs at different resolutions? For instance, can it accept a 1080p camera, a 720p computer signal, and output a 1080i signal?

A: I have not actually tested it but it may work. The mixer has a switch that you select the output (1080i, 1080p or 720p).Setting your output at 1080i m will still allow you to input even 1080p through channels 1 to 3 then you can use channel 4 which has a built in scaler to input a 720p HDMI from your computer

Q: 3. I am looking for a device to superimpose / mix the inputs of multiple video sources at once. I see that the V-1HD has 4 HDMI inputs but from what I understand, only two can be blended into a single output at one time. Is this correct?

A: That would require a more advanced Production Switcher with multiple mixed effect buses. https://bhpho.to/3dNQHyN

Q: 4. Can you use all 3 outputs at the same time?2 HD-SDI outputs (preview and program) and a quad output via HDMI?Example:1 SDI preview output to projector1 SDI program output to live broadcast/recorder1 HDMI quad view output for the director.

A: Yes, you can use all 3 outputs at the same time.

Q: 5. What program or device is recommended for playing mpeg videos? Ideally, the video would automatically play when that source is selected so the operator doesn't have to press play after the source is selected.

A: The Roland V-1HD is HDCP compliant, which gives you a wide variety of options for MPEG Video Playback. You could connect a computer with an HDMI output directly to this unit, or you could look at Media Players with HDMI like a Roku or Apple TV. You could even connect a tablet to this switcher and play back video that way. However there is no product available that will automatically start playing when you switch to the assigned channel, the operate will have to manually start the video.

Q: 6. can the preview output be the same as the program output? i.e. two program outs for two screens?

A: You can accomplish this by using an HDMI Splitter, such as this one: https://bhpho.to/3tlqnU1

Q: 7. Is there a way to incorporate a tally light system with this switcher?

A: This is a very basic switcher, have not seen any way for a tally light. If you are looking for a simple, economical switcher, this is a great option, if you want advanced controls or down keys, look elsewhere.

Q: 8. Does this unit also requires 50fps to 60fps 1080p over SDI ?

A: This unit can handle either 50FPS or 59.94 but not both at the same time nor can it do signal conversion on the fly.

Q: 9. Does anyone have overheating issue on this unit? Mine having lag / freeze / stuck problem here.

A: We recently spoke with Roland and they said that the returns due to defects have been minimal. I can attest that they are well made products. I will have to suggest that if you are out of the B&H 30 day return period that you contact Roland for service. Please see the following link. http://bit.ly/2oJIjGt

Q: 10. I cannot see the sdi output signal neither the pvw nor the pgm. I can sure the hd sdi cable and the hd sdi monitor work well. Please help me solve this problem.

A: So that we may best assist you, please email us. provideo@bhphoto.com.