Performing Arts

Lynn Nottage: A Comprehensive Study This book provides an in-depth exploration of Lynn Nottage's work as one of America's leading playwrights. Her plays often explore themes of race, gender, and...

Turn & Burn: A Practical Guide to Writing Better Screenplays Faster Develop scripts that truly capture your audience's attention. CJ Walley's comprehensive guide offers a proven and systematic...

Introduction to Stage Lighting: The Fundamentals of Theatre Lighting Design by Charles I. Swift is a comprehensive guide for those developing their craft in stage lighting design. It also serves as a...

How To Do Stand-Up Comedy: Preserving a Dying Art Form is a comprehensive guide to making people laugh. Written by Darryl Littleton, a board member of the Comedy Hall of Fame and Emmy-nominated...

The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide by Anthony Q. Artis is a practical guide for making documentaries with limited resources. Written by a guerrilla filmmaker for those who are new to documentary...

Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History is a comprehensive illustrated publication celebrating 90+ years of the world's most famous mouse. From its creation to its global popularity, this...

James Naremore's exploration of film noir delves beyond its iconic images to reveal a complex and multifaceted concept. This study examines film noir as a term in criticism, an expression of artistic...

Decentered Playwriting offers alternative strategies for dramatic writing that incorporate non-Western and underrepresented storytelling techniques. This collection of essays and exercises by leading...

Matt Ryan: Actor Behind the Trench Coat: Becoming Constantine by Mila Hasan This in-depth biography explores the life and career of Matt Ryan, best known for his iconic portrayal of John Constantine...

The Western: A Cultural Phenomenon in Hollywood Film. This comprehensive guide explores the enduring appeal of the Western genre, tracing its evolution from 19th-century popular culture to its impact...

Directing the Decades explores the evolution of theatre in the UK from the 1950s to the present day through the personal journey of a female director from a working-class background.This insightful...

Theatre of Movement and Gesture by Jacques Lecoq is a foundational work that explores the philosophy of human movement in performance traditions. First published in France in 1987, this book outlines...

Behind the scenes of film and television production lies a world of unexpected challenges. Daniel Scarpati's story is one of perseverance and adaptability, as he navigates the demanding role of a...

Soap! the Inside Story of the Sitcom That Broke All the Rules by A. S. Berman The tumultuous history of Soap, from its creation in 1977 to its eventual demise, is one of passion and controversy. This...

François Truffaut's groundbreaking interviews with Alfred Hitchcock offer a unique insight into the cinematic method and the history of film. Spanning fifty hours of conversation, these discussions...

Flambards: A comprehensive reference guide to the 1979 television series. This in-depth collection covers all 13 episodes, presented in original air date order, along with numerous photographs and...

Lost Illusions: American Cinema in the Shadow of Watergate and Vietnam, 1970-1979 by David A. Cook. This book offers a detailed account of Hollywood's transformation during a decade marked by...

Movies Go Fourth explores the fourth installments in some of the most iconic film franchises. This book delves into behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews with filmmakers to reveal what...

The Torture of Mannered Behavior: A Study of Etiquette in Cinema. Etiquette is often seen as a polite and refined aspect of social behavior, but what happens when it's performed on screen? In this...

Céline Sciamma Portraits by Emma Wilson explores the work of one of contemporary international filmmaking's most influential directors. A key figure in debates about the female gaze, sexuality and...

Robin Wood's Personal Views explores the nature of film criticism and the critic. Written by a renowned scholar and writer on film, this collection offers persuasive arguments for the importance of...

The Mime Book (Umbrella Book) by Claude Kipnis is a comprehensive guide to the art of mime. Trained under Marcel Marceau for three years, Kipnis shares his expertise in this practical and accessible...

Three Plays brings together three works by renowned historian and playwright Howard Zinn, exploring the legacy of Karl Marx and Emma Goldman through drama. This collection includes the previously...

Discover the stunning art behind Netflix's revolutionary film Over the Moon. Fueled by determination and a passion for science, a young girl builds a rocket ship to the moon to prove the existence of...

Inside the rehearsal room, acclaimed theatre director Bill Alexander reveals the inner workings of Shakespeare's productions. He shares his expertise on how actors and directors collaborate to bring...

This lavishly illustrated volume celebrates 100 years of the Royal Academy of Dance, a world-leading dance education institution. With its global membership and presence in 84 countries, the Academy...

Get Carter: The British Film Guide 6 by Steve Chibnall This in-depth guide explores Mike Hodges' influential gangster film, released in 1971. Three decades later, the film was voted one of the 20...

The World of James Bond: A Historian's Perspective Jeremy Black offers a unique exploration of the political context of the Bond books and films, tracing the character's evolution over six decades...

The Complete Guide to Monty Python delves into the lesser-known corners of this iconic comedy troupe. Beyond the well-remembered sketches and films, this book shines a light on often-hilarious but...

Contemporary Women Stage Directors offers a unique insight into the experiences and approaches of 27 prominent female theatre directors. Through their conversations on craft, these women share their...

The Story of Hollywood brings to life the transformation of this iconic American city from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global entertainment hub. With over 800 vintage images,...

Robert Thirkell's CONFLICT offers a professional toolkit for developing compelling storylines in factual and reality programmes and films. As an international consultant known as "The TV...

The Footlights Critical Notebook 1970-1982 by Serge Daney This collection of essays marks the beginning of Serge Daney's influential career as a film critic. First published in 1983, it showcases his...

The Seven Film Comedies of Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour, 1940-1962 (hardback) This collection of seven films brings together three beloved screen stars in one of the most successful movie...

Fantasy artist H.R. Giger's vision for his film Species is brought to life in this unique behind-the-scenes book. Featuring 110 photographs, including 100 in color, as well as 50 line drawings, the...

You Talkin' to Me? How to Write Great Dialogue by Linda Seger and John Rainey is a practical guide for writers looking to improve their dialogue skills.Effective dialogue can make or break a story,...

Shooting Zodiac is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a film about one of America's most infamous unsolved serial killer cases. For nearly two decades, Hollywood had struggled to bring the...

The Monty Hall Problem Beyond Closed Doors by Rob Deaves explores one of mathematics' most enduring puzzles. The original problem and its controversy are examined, as well as how prior knowledge...

Francis Ford Coppola: A Biography by Peter Cowie explores the complex and often turbulent career of one of Hollywood's most iconic directors. Through exclusive interviews and three years of research,...

Robert Wilson's theatre is renowned for its innovative and thought-provoking productions. Stefan Brecht's book provides in-depth analysis of some of Wilson's earliest groundbreaking works, including...

Movie trailers are a ubiquitous part of the film-going experience, offering free samples of a movie to influence decision-making. This book explores the conventions and rhetoric of movie trailers,...

Withnail and I is a film study that delves into the origins and production history of Bruce Robinson's 1987 comedy classic. Written by Kevin Jackson, this in-depth analysis explores the mood and...

TV Gothic: A Comprehensive Guide to Small Screen Horror This book explores the lesser-known world of television horror, covering shows, movies, and adaptations from Britain, America, and Europe. It...

Douglas Sirk: Filmmaker and Philosopher offers a fresh perspective on the life and work of one of Hollywood's most influential directors. Robert Pippin argues that Sirk's films, often seen as...

A Licence to be Different: The Story of Channel 4 By Maggie Brown The story of Channel 4 is one of innovation and risk-taking. From its early days as a radical new channel, it has consistently pushed...

The Australian Film Revival 1970s, 1980s, and Beyond by Susan Barber explores the complex forces that shaped this remarkable film movement. This study brings fresh perspectives to a range of films...

The Scream Writer's Handbook: A 10-Step Guide to Crafting a Terrifying ScreenplayLearn how to write a screenplay that will send chills down the spine with this comprehensive guide from Hollywood...

Writing & Staging A New Musical is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to create and premiere their own original piece of musical theatre. This practical handbook provides valuable tips, tricks,...

Philosophers on Film from Bergson to Badiou is an anthology that brings together key writings by major continental philosophers on cinema and film. The collection presents a range of intellectual...

For aspiring screenwriters, understanding the role of agents and managers is crucial to success in the industry. This comprehensive guide reveals the truth about the differences between these...

African American Perspectives in Musical Theatre by Eric M. Glover explores the often-overlooked history and significance of Black musical theatre. From its roots in slavery and freedom to...

The Full Story of One of the Strangest Films Ever Made. Eraserhead, David Lynch's groundbreaking debut feature, has become a cult classic. But what made this film so unique and enduring? Kenneth...

Horror Films for Children: Fear and Pleasure in American Cinema by Catherine Lester explores the unique category of contemporary Hollywood cinema that addresses children as an audience with specific...

Coco: The Official Cookbook brings to life the vibrant world of Mexican cuisine with over 50 recipes inspired by Disney and Pixar's beloved film. This comprehensive cookbook features authentic...

Play Directing: The Basics provides a comprehensive guide for theatre students and aspiring directors. This step-by-step process covers every aspect of directing, from historical context to opening...

Carnal Thoughts: Embodiment and Moving Image Culture by Vivian Sobchack This innovative collection of essays explores how our bodies shape our experiences of film and other media. By examining the...

Film editing is a crucial part of bringing a film to life. It involves making decisions about how to arrange visual and audio elements in the cutting room, with the ultimate goal of engaging the...

Roger Ebert's Two Weeks in the Midday Sun is a unique glimpse into the life and thoughts of one of cinema's most renowned critics. This collection of essays offers an intimate look at the 1987 Cannes...

Published in 1997, Enfants Du Paradis is a landmark film that reimagined the history of France during a time of crisis. Jill Forbes examines how this cinematic masterpiece reinterpreted social...

Flamenco Music: A Deep explores its History and Culture This in-depth study explores the complex history and cultural significance of flamenco music. From its Moorish and Roma influences to its...

Performance, directed by Donald Cammell and Nicolas Roeg, is a film that was not released until 1970, despite being filmed in 1968. Its studio backers were shocked by the film's explicit content and...

Science fiction films have come a long way since 1902's Un voyage dans la lune. This comprehensive guide explores the most important examples of the genre, from early pioneers to recent blockbusters...

Scenes from 68 Years by Hannah Khalil is a poignant collection of vignettes that humanise ordinary Palestinians living under occupation. Through mischievous humour, the author offers snapshots of...

Behind the glamour and glitz of Eurovision lies a world of chaos and unpredictability. Journalist Roy D. Hacksaw takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the contest, revealing the unexpected...

The Anarchy of the Imagination collects Rainer Werner Fassbinder's most important interviews, essays, and working notes. This collection presents a radical and subjective perspective on film,...

Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey is re-examined in this detailed study of the making of the landmark film. The author delves into the artistic and mythic pedigrees of the movie, exploring its...

This step-by-step guide from industry veteran Natalie Roers provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the world of voice over work. Whether you're looking to start a hobby, take your existing...

Oprah Winfrey and the Glamour of Misery: An Essay on Popular Culture by Eva Illouz explores how one figure has become a pervasive symbol in American culture. This original examination reconsiders...

Kirk Douglas, Hollywood royalty and bestselling author, shares the candid story behind the making of Spartacus, the blockbuster film that broke the blacklist. In this riveting drama, Douglas reveals...

Explore the deeper meaning behind the iconic Matrix trilogy with Like a Splinter in Your Mind. This thought-provoking book delves into thirteen fundamental philosophical questions, each illustrated...

Script Supervising and Film Continuity by Pat P. Miller provides a comprehensive guide to the script supervising process, explaining how scripts are transformed into motion pictures or television...

Integrative Performance Practice and Theory for the Interdisciplinary Performer by Experience Bryon offers a radical new approach to training for 21st-century performers. This book critiques current...

Explore the cinematic treasures of Los Angeles, a city that has set the scene for some of the most iconic films in history. This engaging guide takes you on a citywide tour of 50 carefully chosen...

The Presence of the Actor by Joseph Chaikin A conversational review of his approach to communal playmaking, this book reveals the struggles and successes behind some of the most exciting theatre of...

Teen Movie Hell: A Crucible of Coming-of-age Comedies from Animal House to Zapped! The 1970s and 1980s saw a surge in teen comedies that captured the spirit of adolescent rebellion. Films like Animal...

Stephen Poliakoff: A Distinctive Dramatist Over four decades, Stephen Poliakoff has established himself as a distinctive dramatist in theatre, film and television. His work has received widespread...

A comprehensive guide to the Back to the Future franchise is presented in this staggering encyclopedia. With nearly 3,000 alphabetical entries, it covers every aspect of the BTTF universe, from...

Discover the life and legacy of Mel Blanc, the legendary voice behind some of cinema's most iconic characters. This comprehensive biography offers an unparalleled look at the man who brought Bugs...

Representing Reality Issues and Concepts in DocumentaryA conceptual overview of documentary filmmaking practice, this book addresses numerous social issues and their presentation to the viewer...

Dark Matter maps the invisible dimension of theater whose effects are felt everywhere in performance. This book explores phenomena such as hallucination, offstage character, and technology to...

This in-depth guide to writing edge-of-the-seat suspense is your key to creating thrilling stories. By understanding the conventions of the genre, you can craft a compelling narrative that keeps...

The Art and Craft of Playwriting by Jeffery Hatcher is a comprehensive guide to writing for the theater. With clear explanations and practical advice, Hatcher shares his expertise on building...

The Way We Were: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Timeless Romance In 1973, Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford starred in a film that would become an iconic romance, starring at the peak of their...

Brecht and Post-1990s British Drama Dialectical Theatre Today explores how theatre can engage with social reality and foster critical thinking. This open access book examines the forms and functions...

The Blue Man Group's first-ever book, published to celebrate their 25th anniversary, offers an entertaining and humorous look at the world behind the show. This visually rich book combines music,...

Pedro Almodóvar's cinematic universe is a complex and multifaceted one, marked by both comedic flair and profound seriousness. This comprehensive study assesses his filmography in depth, exploring...

King Lear meets stand-up meets the metaverse in this daringly unaccommodating piece of theatre. Playwright Tim Crouch sends the Fool back to the future of the play he left, exploring a world without...

Near Dark: A Vampire Film that Redefined Genre Boundaries Stacey Abbott's study explores how Kathryn Bigelow's 1987 film skillfully blended genres, combining gothic tropes with Western and road movie...

British Theatre Companies: 1995-2014 provides a comprehensive study of the work of innovative and important British theatre companies from 1965 to 2014. This volume charts the expansion of the sector...

Conclusions by John BoormanA memoir that continues the story of his life, sharing new insights into his career and personal experiences.The film director reflects on his journey from London in the...

The Ballet Called Giselle by Cyril W. Beaumont First published in 1944, this book remains an authoritative work on the Romantic Ballet masterpiece, Giselle. It is divided into two parts: the first...

A comprehensive workbook for Musical Theatre students, covering all four elements of the discipline: dance, music, acting and performing. This guide provides a thorough overview of the theory and...

A Small Book of Jewish Comedians by Tony Nourmand is a joyful celebration of great photography and witty one-liners from some of America's most beloved comedians. Featuring iconic portraits alongside...

The making of Clue, as revealed in this book, is a fascinating story. When the film was first released in 1985, it faced an uncertain future, with mixed reviews and a confusing release strategy that...

The Eight Characters of Comedy: A Guide to Sitcom Acting and Writing by Scott Sedita is a comprehensive guide for actors and writers looking to break into the world of sitcoms. This updated second...

The Hour That Never Was: A Critical Analysis of The Avengers. Television drama is often overlooked in favour of more traditional art forms, with its ephemeral nature leading to many classic...

Duck Soup: A Study in Satire and Comedy. The Marx Brothers' 1933 film Duck Soup is widely regarded as their most quintessential comedy. Initially met with critical failure and box-office...

Discover the locations that brought laughter to British television. On the Buses: The Filming Locations is a comprehensive guide to over 200 filming locations used in the classic sitcom and its...

Delve into the world of The Mandalorian with this special collector's edition. This comprehensive guide to Season Two explores the making of the hit show, featuring behind-the-scenes insights and...

The Quatermass Experiment and Its Legacy: The Birth of BBC Science Fiction By Adrian Sherlock This revised edition explores the historical details, cultural impact, influences, and legacy of Nigel...