Performing Arts

Mean Streets was Martin Scorsese's third feature film, marking him as a major new talent. Released in 1973, it premiered at the New York Film Festival and received widespread critical acclaim, with...

Mario Lanza's memoirs offer a unique insight into the world of Survivor writing and its impact on his life. With over fifteen years of experience as a popular internet columnist, he shares his...

Ethan Coen and Joel Coen's collected screenplays offer a unique insight into the filmmaking duo's exploration of corruption and crime in their most iconic works.These four scripts, including Barton...

Dance Wellness offers guidance on the foundations, mental components, and physical aspects of dancer wellness. This comprehensive resource provides concepts and strategies to develop as a dancer and...

Inside Ballet Technique: A Practical Guide to Understanding Anatomy and Technique for Dancers. Valerie Grieg's comprehensive guide provides an in-depth explanation of anatomy, kinesiology, and...

The Television History Book explores the development and export of television broadcasting in two major centres: Great Britain and the USA. Leading media scholars provide an overview that identifies...

Clive James offers an insightful analysis of serial TV drama and its impact on modern society. Since serving as television columnist for the London Observer from 1972 to 1982, James has witnessed a...

Salome rose to cultural icon in the early 20th century, thanks in part to her association with Oscar Wilde and Richard Strauss. Her story was reimagined as a sensual woman driven by lust and madness,...

This edited collection explores the potential of dance training to foster socially engaged individuals capable of forming ethical human relations in an ever-changing world. It frames dance as a...

Walter Hill: A Hollywood Maverick's Cinematic Journey This comprehensive book explores the long and prolific career of acclaimed director Walter Hill. From his early days in film to his most notable...

Mastering the art of film editing is crucial to creating a compelling movie. This insightful guide reveals the storytelling nuances and tricks that screenwriters can learn from experienced film...

Cinematic Guerrillas: Propaganda, Projectionists, and Audiences in Socialist China by Jie Li explores the power of film exhibition in socialist China. From 1940s to 1980s, mobile film projectionist...

Knots Landing: A Critical Analysis of 1980s Television. This study situates Knots Landing within its economic and industrial contexts, exploring its progressive relationship to American politics in...

Crowdfunding has become a major source of funding for independent films, with over $250 million raised on Kickstarter alone. This book provides practical guidance on planning, creating and running...

New Queer Cinema: The Director's Cut by B. Ruby Rich In 1992, film critic and scholar B. Ruby Rich identified a new cinematic movement that would go on to shape the queer arts landscape. This...

The Authentic Death and Contentious Afterlife of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid: The Untold Story of Peckinpah's Last Western Film by Paul Seydor. A detailed exploration of Sam Peckinpah's final...

Black British dance is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, encompassing a wide range of performing arts from dancehall to ballet. This book brings together diverse voices to explore its theory,...

Sarah Kane: A Theatre of Extremes This book provides an in-depth analysis of Sarah Kane's major plays and productions, drawing on previously unpublished material and reviews. It also explores her...

Reggie's Guide to Social Climbing by Pat Fitzpatrick and Reggie Blackrock Road is a humorous guide to navigating social situations with ease. The authors share 24 simple steps to help you climb the...

The Picnic at Hanging Rock by Anna Backman Rogers is a thought-provoking study that explores Peter Weir's 1975 film through feminist, psychoanalytic and decolonialising perspectives. Set in 1900, the...

Reading Dancing Bodies and Subjects in Contemporary American Dance explores new approaches to choreographic meaning. By combining contemporary semiotics and post-structuralist criticism, Susan Leigh...

The Art of Alfred Hitchcock Fifty Years of His Motion Pictures is a comprehensive survey of the films of one of cinema's greatest directors. Spanning his entire career, this book provides an in-depth...

Practice as Research in the Arts and Beyond: A Guide to Becoming a Practitioner-Researcher. This book provides a comprehensive guide to Practice as Research, addressing its contexts and applications...

Star Trek: The Art of Neville Page showcases the entire career of visionary creature designer Neville Page. Over twenty years, he has applied his expertise to create some of the most memorable...

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol remains a beloved and enduring tale. Its influence can be seen in numerous adaptations across various media, from stage productions to animated musicals. This...

Epicene, or the Silent Woman by Ben Jonson is a play that satirizes the fashionable world of 17th-century London's West End. Brilliantly exploiting the convention of boys playing female roles, it...

Gus Van Sant: The Art of Making Movies is a unique insight into the creative world of one of America's most influential filmmakers. Based on exclusive interviews, this book delves into Van Sant's...

Brief Encounter by Richard Dyer explores the enduring legacy of a 1945 film that captured the complexities of human emotion. Originally adapted from Noel Coward's play Still Life, the movie tells the...

Taste and the TV Chef: How Storytelling Can Save the Planet By Gilly Smith In recent years, food-centric TV has experienced a significant surge in popularity, transforming Britain's relationship with...

Mary Whitehouse's campaign against perceived moral decay in British culture was marked by controversy and ridicule. Through her letters, as revealed in this collection from her extraordinary archive,...

The Simpsons: A Cultural History by Moritz Fink explores the show's roots and impact on American culture. From its early days as an alternative programming experiment to its current status as a...

Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek is a beautifully produced coffee-table book celebrating the beloved television series. This keepsake book captures the essence and alchemy of...

The Music Industry Handbook provides an authoritative overview of the music industry today. This second edition explores the latest developments in music streaming and its impact on business models...

Jane Campion: A Creative Life in Focus This comprehensive collection of interviews with acclaimed director Jane Campion offers a unique insight into her creative process. Spanning her career from...

Feminist Film Studies: Tracing the Woman into Cinema Janet McCabe explores the development of feminist film theory from its early beginnings to the present day. This discourse encompasses a range of...

Hollywood Romantic Comedy: A Changing Representation This book explores how the representation of couples in Hollywood romantic comedies evolved over three decades, from 1934 to 1965. Kathrina...

Shades of Noir by Joan Copjec explores the film noir phenomenon, moving beyond the initial assessment made by French critics in the aftermath of World War II. This collection of original essays...

Woody Allen: A Life of Comedy and Controversy This comprehensive biography offers an even-handed look at the life and legacy of Woody Allen, one of America's most consequential cultural figures...

Writing the Comedy Pilot Script: A Step-by-step Guide to Creating an Original TV Series by Manny Basanese is a practical guide for screenwriters looking to create a comedy pilot script. This book...

The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse is a wickedly funny satire that explores the complexities of cultural sensitivity and artistic intention. A group of well-meaning teaching artists struggle...

W. Somerset Maugham's second collection of plays is a showcase of his versatility as a playwright, offering witty comedies and insightful dramas.This eclectic volume includes the satirical marriage...

André Bazin's What Is Cinema? Volume I is a seminal work in film studies that has shaped the field for decades. Written by André Bazin, this influential essay collection explores the very nature of...

Documentary filmmaking has become an increasingly influential force in public debate, shaping consumer behavior and government policy. This book brings together the insights of fifteen leading...

Producing Video Podcasts: A Guide for Media Professionals offers expert guidance on creating professional-quality video podcasts. Written by seasoned video production professionals with over 2500...

Learn to write comedy that makes people laugh with Masterclass: Writing Comedy. This guide reveals the distinctive features of comedy writing and helps you unlock your inner comedian, exploring...

The Czechoslovak New Wave is a comprehensive study of the most significant movement in post-war Central and East European cinemas. First published in 1985, it remains the world's leading...

Theater Games for the Lone Actor by Viola Spolin is a practical guide to help individual actors develop their skills through self-coaching exercises. This comprehensive handbook presents over 40...

Armchair Thriller: A Reference Guide to the British Television Series. This comprehensive reference book provides an in-depth look at the British television series Armchair Thriller, which aired from...

For those who want to make live theatre, this book offers a practical toolbox of reflections and provocations. Russell Lucas shares his decades of experience in independent theatremaking, covering...

This 2001 study by Ben Singer explores the sensational cinema of early modernity, examining how melodramas like The Perils of Pauline and The Hazards of Helen reflect broader cultural transformations...

Analog Nightmares: The Shot On Video Horror Films of 1982-1995 by Richard Mogg explores the history and evolution of shot on video horror films. This comprehensive collection brings together over 260...

Theatre and Disability by Petra Kuppers explores the complex relationship between performance and disability. This insightful text examines how disabled people experience theatre as both audience...

The English Patient: Screenplay (Screen and Cinema) by Anthony Minghella and Michael Ondaatje is a gripping adaptation of Michael Ondaatje's Booker Prize-winning novel. Set against the backdrop of...

Behind the scenes of one of television's most iconic shows lies a fascinating story of creation, success, and enduring popularity. In "Generation Friends", Saul Austerlitz takes readers on a journey...

Sergei Eisenstein's unfinished essay on Walt Disney offers a unique insight into the filmmaker's thoughts on modern consciousness and art. First begun in 1940, this work was part of a series of...

For those considering taking control of their career, Gareth Armstrong offers a comprehensive guide to putting on a solo show. This step-by-step manual covers every aspect of the process, from...

Explore the world of New York through its most iconic movie locations. This insider's guide takes you behind the scenes of Hollywood's greatest hits, from the subway grating that launched Marilyn...

This study examines the roles of women in prime time soap operas, comparing British and North American television soaps. Christine Geraghty explores how narratives on screen reflect the experiences...

Bela Lugosi On Screen explores the film career of movie icon Bela Lugosi. From his early silent films in Europe to his iconic roles in Dracula, The Black Cat, and White Zombie, Chris Wade examines...

Autobiography and Performance: Performing Selves explores the complex relationships between past and present in performance, authenticity, and live versus reality television. Deirdre Heddon's...

Seinfeld and Philosophy: A Book About Everything and Nothing This lively book explores the intersection of philosophy and popular culture through the lens of Seinfeld. Grouped into four acts, it...

The Ground on Which I Stand by August Wilson is a powerful call to action for African American artists. Delivered as the keynote address at Theatre Communications Group's 11th biennial conference in...

Jazz Dance: A History of the Roots and Branches by Lindsay Guarino and Wendy Oliver offers an in-depth exploration of the evolution of jazz dance. This comprehensive history delves into the various...

Cinema's artistic and technical development is a rich and diverse subject, spanning centuries and continents. David Parkinson's comprehensive survey offers a concise overview of film history, from...

This comprehensive critical study explores all of Paul Thomas Anderson's feature films from Hard Eight (1996) to Licorice Pizza (2021), as well as his under-studied short films and music videos...

Theatre and Voice explores the multifaceted role of voice in performance, examining its various forms and functions across different genres, media, and cultures. By integrating case studies with...

Post-Cinematic Affect explores the emerging structure of feeling in the affluent West of the early 21st century. This shift is linked to new digital technologies, economic globalization, and the...

The Collaborative Habit: Life Lessons for Working Together by Twyla TharpTwyla Tharp shares her decades of experience as a collaborator and leader, explaining why teamwork is a superior way of...

From its humble beginnings as a nickelodeon in Chicago to its current status as a global entertainment giant, Universal Pictures has undergone a remarkable transformation. In City of Dreams: The...

Bringing together nearly 60 years of experience in acting and teaching, Essential Acting offers a practical handbook for actors, teachers, and directors. RADA's Brigid Panet has distilled her...

Sarah Kane's 4.48 Psychosis is a work that defies easy evaluation. Its brevity and intensity have led some to question its aesthetic value, but Glenn D'Cruz argues that it is best understood as part...

Writing the Short Film provides a comprehensive guide to creating a dramatic narrative for film. By taking students and novice screenwriters through the storytelling process, from conception to...

Figured Harmony at the Keyboard presents figured harmony as a form of aural training. This approach aims to make students more aware of chord relationships as actual sound, thereby increasing their...

The DNA GCSE Student Guide provides a comprehensive resource for students studying Dennis Kelly's play DNA. Written specifically for GCSE students by academics in the field, this guide gathers...

The Encyclopedia of the Musical Theatre brings together a vast array of information on the American musical theatre, spanning over 100 years and encompassing various styles such as Viennese operetta,...

Dance Anatomy, Third Edition, offers a comprehensive guide to improving dance performance and flexibility. With over 100 anatomical illustrations in a vibrant new color palette, this book provides...

Theatre and Knowledge by David Kornhaber For centuries, philosophers have grappled with the relationship between the stage and knowledge. This engaging volume sheds new light on this ancient debate,...

Gene Perret's "Comedy Writing Step by Step" is a comprehensive guide for writers seeking to craft humorous content. First updated in 2007, this revised edition offers valuable insights and practical...

Learn the art of clowning with this comprehensive guide to clown training. Covering everything from playfulness to devising and creating performable numbers and shows, Clown Training offers in-depth...

A Beginner's Guide to Special Makeup Effects: Monsters, Maniacs and More is a comprehensive introduction to special effects makeup using cost-effective tools and materials found in local stores. This...

Film Production Management 101 provides a comprehensive guide to the business and logistics of film and television production. Originally developed from practical tools created for Patz' own career,...

The Animator's Survival Kit: Walks provides essential chapters in mini form. For animators who need to focus on specific aspects of their work, these compact guides offer a convenient and portable...

I Know Where I'm Going! is widely regarded as one of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's most remarkable achievements. This 1945 film tells the story of a young woman who encounters a magical...

Discover how some of the world's most exciting contemporary theatre is made. This book brings together eleven different approaches to theatre-making from around the globe, each with its own unique...

Discover the Western heroes of Hollywood's golden age in this in-depth look at the careers of Randolph Scott, Audie Murphy, Joel McCrea and George Montgomery.The modern Western has lost its way,...

Behind-the-scenes insights into the Emmy award-winning show The Handmaid's Tale. This comprehensive book explores the process of bringing Margaret Atwood's novel to life on television, featuring...

The Wild Bunch: A Film That Changed Westerns Forever Since its 1969 release, The Wild Bunch has become an iconic and influential film in American cinema. Its impact can still be felt today, with many...

Graham Chapman's A Liar's Autobiography is a humorous and unflinching account of his life as a member of Monty Python. This true and false memoir offers an intimate look at Chapman's experiences as a...

Learn to create memorable characters that will appeal to your audience. Character Creation: A Guide to Archetypes, Motivation and Emotion for Writers and Actors explores the fundamental personality...

Discover the captivating art behind Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One. In this unique companion to the film, explore the incredible design work that brought the OASIS to life. From concept art and...

Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle by Simon StephensA chance encounter between two strangers in a crowded London train station sets off a chain of events that changes their lives forever. This...

Steven Berkoff's A World Elsewhere explores his remarkable career as a performer and director. From his early days at The Arts Lab in 1967 to his most recent productions, this memoir takes readers...

The British 'B' Film provides a comprehensive examination of this often-overlooked film genre. From its origins during World War II to the 1960s, the authors explore the 'B' movie as both an artistic...

The Crystal Bucket is Clive James's second collection of hilarious TV criticism, published originally in the Observer between 1976 and 1979. In this time-capsule of 1970s television, James provides...

Introduction to Documentary, Third Edition by Bill Nichols provides a comprehensive introduction to the key issues in documentary history and criticism. This updated edition includes a new chapter on...

Unforgiven by Edward Buscombe explores how Clint Eastwood's 1992 film adaptation deviates from traditional Western conventions. By examining the script and its modern sensibilities, Buscombe reveals...

Understanding scene transitions is crucial to creating engaging films. This book provides a fresh approach to directing, screenwriting, and editing, helping you connect individual sequences and...

The Tattooed Lady: A History A fascinating look at the lives of women who dared to be different, these courageous performers used their bodies as canvas for self-expression and art. From the 19th...

Film Editing: An Expressive Strategy for Cinema. This book explores editing as a creative tool in filmmaking, rather than just a technical skill. Valerie Orpen argues that editing can be studied and...

Techno-Orientalism explores how Asia and Asians are imagined in science fiction, history, and media, often in terms of technology. This collection of essays examines the stereotype of Asians as both...