Performing Arts

Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation CinemaIn 1971, two films revolutionized the movie industry, launching a genre that would shape the decade. Melvin Van Peebles's Sweet...

The Marvel: Illustrated Guide to the Spider-Verse is an in-depth exploration of the Spider-Man universe. This comprehensive guide features stunning illustrations and provides insight into the...

Theatre and Protest explores the complex relationship between theatre and protest. Lara Shalson examines how these two forms have influenced each other across the twentieth and twenty-first...

Italian Horror Cinema brings together a range of contributions to shed new light on this iconic genre. From its heyday in the late 1950s to the early 1980s, Italian horror cinema was marked by excess...

Gilmore Girls: A Cultural History offers an engaging analysis of the popular series. Lara C. Stache and Rachel Davidson examine how the show serves as a representation of American culture and...

Advice from Dancers and Choreographers: Insights into the World of Dance. For young dancers looking to pursue their passion, this book offers practical advice from experienced professionals. With...

The Whole Equation: A History of Hollywood By David Thomson Abacus, 2006 This comprehensive history of the Hollywood movie industry reveals the inner workings of the business, moving beyond the...

A celebration of the cinema of the 1970s. This book explores a pivotal decade in film history, when the big screen reflected life and society with unprecedented honesty. With censorship relaxed,...

Nicolas Roeg's life and career are a testament to the power of innovation in film-making. As one of the most distinctive directors of his generation, he has inspired a new wave of filmmakers.From his...

Costume Design for Performance offers a comprehensive guide to the creative process behind designing costumes for the performing arts. Bettina John shares her extensive knowledge of the industry,...

Silver Lining by Sandi Toksvig is a hilarious comedy about five elderly women who come together to recreate The Great Escape - senior-citizen style. On one dark and stormy night, they face the sudden...

Stan and Ollie's Lost Films Revealed in New Scripts. The Laurel & Hardy Movie Scripts Volume 2: Lost Films and Classics presents previously unpublished documents created between 1927 and 1935 for 23...

Ken Loach's 1969 drama Kes is a powerful exploration of social realism, focusing on Billy's journey as he forms a bond with a kestrel. This study delves into the origins of the film, examining the...

Discover 25 fantastic duologues for one man and one woman, written by some of the most exciting dramatic voices since 2000. This collection features a diverse range of character types and styles,...

Choreography: The Basics provides a comprehensive overview of choreography as both a creative skill and a field of study. This clear guide introduces readers to essential theory and context, offering...

The Godfather, Part II by Jon Lewis is a close analysis of Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 film, exploring its cinematic and political contexts. The study is structured in three sections, examining the...

A revelatory portrait of the creative partnership that transformed musical theater and provided the soundtrack to the American Century. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were the creators of...

Get expert insights from 22 successful voice actors and voice over artists in this unique collection of tips and advice.Honest sharings from behind the scenes about the ups, downs and in-betweens of...

Scorsese by Ebert offers an in-depth exploration of Martin Scorsese's filmography, featuring interviews with the director over nearly forty years. From his debut feature to his 2008 release, Shine a...

The Prisoner Handbook by Steven Paul Davies is a comprehensive guide for those involved in the performing arts industry. This detailed handbook covers various aspects of television production,...

A comprehensive guide to developing a clear and powerful voice for the actor. This practical handbook explains the theory behind effective voice use and provides proven exercises to improve vocal...

A poetic exploration of the experience and perspective of black men in America, American Moor examines the intersection of race and identity through the lens of Shakespeare's Othello. This powerful...

Vadim Muntagirov's life story offers an intimate look at the world of professional ballet. From leaving home at 10 to pursue full-time training, and then rising through the ranks with remarkable...

Dark Places: A Study of Haunted Spaces in Film explores the eerie locations that fuel horror movies. From crumbling mansions to abandoned asylums, these settings create an atmosphere of fear and...

Laban for Actors and Dancers is a practical guide to Laban's famous system of movement. This comprehensive handbook provides teachers and students with a step-by-step introduction to the theory,...

The Amber Spyglass is an astonishing imaginative feat that conjures a universe of intensity and beauty. Philip Pullman's groundbreaking trilogy has been brought to life with a new cover, creatively...

This lavishly illustrated collection of essays explores the movies that have created waves of hilarity over the past century. Featuring contributions from prominent film critics, including James Agee...

A play of monologues by Christopher Plumridge tells the story of a Teddy Bear who became a legend. Through ten adventurous monologues, you'll discover how a simple stuffed toy evolved into 'Great...

Film theory: an introduction offers a highly readable account of film theory, covering a period from the late 1960s to the present. This synthesis brings together various intellectual currents,...

A comprehensive history of Russian cinema from its early beginnings to the present day. This engaging narrative explores the industry and its key films in the context of Russia's social and political...

Nikolai Demidov's comprehensive guide to actor training has long been a hidden gem in Russian theatre circles. Now available in English for the first time, this collection brings together his five...

Delve into the world of Harry Potter filmmaking with this second volume of The Film Vault series. Featuring gorgeous concept art and unit photography from the Warner Bros. archive, this deluxe...

Puppets, Puppetry and Gogmagog is a comprehensive manual that provides detailed instructions for creating 24 different puppets and their variations. With over 900 illustrations and 260 pages of...

Behind the scenes of Disney and Pixar's original feature film Lightyear, this vibrant volume offers an exclusive look at the exciting visuals. Production designs, storyboards, colorscripts, and...

The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral: A Hollywood Legacy. In just 30 seconds, a legendary story unfolded, leaving behind three dead and two wounded, forever etched in American imagination. This infamous...

Explore the world of film with Film Studies From Hollywood to Bollywood. This comprehensive guide covers everything from how people communicate ideas in films to the impact of cinema on popular...

Explore the making of Robert Eggers' epic Viking revenge thriller, The Northman. This behind-the-scenes look at the film's conception, writing, casting, and production is compiled from fascinating...

A play about loneliness and longing, Reverberation explores the complexities of human connection. After a tragedy, Jonathan has withdrawn from the world, while Claire's arrival upstairs sparks a...

The Lamplighter by Jackie Kay is a powerful and poignant exploration of the legacy of slavery in Britain. This award-winning poet and Scottish Makar weaves together four distinct voices to tell the...

Studio Ghibli: A Cinematic Experience Like No Other The animations of Studio Ghibli are widely regarded as among the highest in the movie industry, with each new release eagerly anticipated by fans...

An American in Paris is a landmark film that celebrated George Gershwin's music and French art. Choreographed by Gene Kelly at the height of his career, it gave new stature to the Hollywood musical...

Discover the magic of Hufflepuff house with this stunning collection of artifacts inspired by the Harry Potter films.Inside, you'll learn about the values and traditions that define this beloved...

Theatre in Practice: A Student's Handbook by Nick O'Brien explores the central practices and key practitioners in theatre. This accessible guide covers a range of topics, including Stanislavski,...

Discover ten new plays for young performers from some of the UK's most exciting playwrights in National Theatre Connections 2022. This anthology offers an engaging and diverse range of material to...

The Ultimate Musical Writer's Planner is an all-in-one workbook designed to help you bring your musical from concept to stage. This comprehensive guide provides a structured approach to...

Dance Education: A Redefinition by Susan R. Koff offers a fresh perspective on the nature of dance pedagogy, moving beyond traditional Western-based approaches to encompass a holistic and...

Choreography: Creating and Developing Dance for Performance by Kate Flatt explores the creative process of interpreting movement, music, and space in performance. This book offers insights into the...

Aeschylus' Persians is the earliest extant Greek tragedy and sole surviving historical tragedy. Produced in 472 BC, it tells the story of the defeat of the Persian king Xerxes in his attempt to...

Bong Joon Ho: Dissident Cinema is a comprehensive exploration of the career of South Korea's acclaimed writer/director. First gaining international recognition with Barking Dogs Never Bite, Bong went...

The book weaves together a year-by-year account of the developments in London's radio with the stories of key stations. It examines the political, social, musical and technological changes that...

Nino Rota's music has become an integral part of some of cinema's most iconic films. This study provides a detailed account of Rota's life and work, exploring his unique aesthetic and genius.Richard...

Lindsay Anderson's film if...(1968) is a thought-provoking exploration of rebellion and conformity in an English public school setting. The title is a nod to Rudyard Kipling's famous poem, while the...

Improvisation is an art that thrives on spontaneity and impulse. Yet, behind many improvisational performances lies a contradiction - a set of rules meant to guarantee success, but ultimately...

Get an in-depth look at the Star Wars universe with this official collector's edition guide to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Featuring extensive images, unseen concept art and behind-the-scenes...

Game of Thrones versus History: Written in Blood is a collection of thought-provoking essays that explore how George R.R. Martin's fantasy series and HBO show are informed by real historical figures,...

This collectible mini book features stories and art from classic Disney animated shorts, showcasing Mickey Mouse's iconic adventures. Illustrated with beautiful artwork straight from the screen, it...

The Thespian's Bucket List is an interactive checklist of 1,001 theatre-related things to do in your lifetime. With plays to read, musicals to discover, and theaters to visit, this comprehensive...

Iron Man: The Art of the Movie brings together exclusive content and fully illustrated behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of the iconic Marvel Studios film. This comprehensive art book...

Patsy Rodenburg's guide to using your voice fully and expressively is a highly sought-after resource among politicians, clerics, rock singers, and actors. This book distils her extensive knowledge...

Learn the language of the 'Verse with this comprehensive guide to Firefly's unique dialect. From its history and evolution to modern usage and everyday expressions, this reference book covers it all...

Stanislavski's comprehensive system for acting has shaped the way actors work in the theatre since its initial translation into English in the 1920s and 30s. However, previous translations have often...

Jean-Luc Godard's writings offer a unique insight into his own creative process and intellectual curiosity. Spanning the period from 1950 to 1967, this collection of essays and interviews showcases...

The Secret Life of Plays by Steve Waters explores the hidden workings of plays and the trade secrets that govern their writing. Drawing on a wide range of drama, both historical and modern, Waters...

The Bruce Lee Green Hornet Special Edition Volume 2 No 1 is an exclusive collectible that offers a unique insight into the world of martial arts and television. This special edition features over 120...

The Cinema of Naruse Mikio: Women and Japanese ModernityCatherine Russell's in-depth study sheds new light on the life and work of one of Japan's most prolific directors, Naruse Mikio. With...

British Cinema in the 1950s: An Art in Peacetime offers a fresh perspective on a period often overlooked in film history. Twenty writers contribute essays that re-examine the productions of the...

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A Little Guide to Quirky Quotes and Facts. This guide celebrates the iconic TV show that brought vampires back into the mainstream, making stars of its cast. With its unique...

This comprehensive handbook offers practical guidance for actors and directors seeking to develop their skills in creating authentic performances.By training the imagination and body, this book...

We Have Some Notes... provides a detailed overview of the script editing and development process, highlighting the impact of critical feedback in creating successful films and television shows...

The Victorian Stage: A Hazardous World of Entertainment Life on the performing stage was often more perilous than one might imagine. Behind the glamour and spectacle, disaster, destitution, and death...

David Thomson's sweeping narrative explores how movies have shaped our understanding of life and ourselves. From their early days as an imitation of reality to their current status as a global...

Modern Drama: A Very Short Introduction by Kirsten E. Shepherd-Barr This concise guide explores the major developments in modern drama, spanning from 1880 to the present day. Kirsten E. Shepherd-Barr...

Understanding the language of the lens is crucial for filmmakers and cinematographers. Lenses have the power to propel story, evoke dramatic responses from the audience, and give a film its unique...

A new play about the complexities of growing up and the choices we face in life. Square Go is a raucous and hilarious collaboration between Fringe First winning writers Kieran Hurley and Gary McNair,...

Get an insider's view of the film and television editing process with this practical guide from Emmy-winning editor Jordan Goldman. Inside, he shares his expert advice on how to increase your chances...

K-drama School: A Deep explores Korean Television's Cultural Significance By Grace Jung, this book offers a comprehensive analysis of Korean television's impact on popular culture. From common tropes...

The Prop Building Guidebook For Theatre, Film, and TV is now in its third edition. This comprehensive guide covers techniques used in historical and contemporary prop making, providing readers with...

This book chronicles over 20 years of animation festivals, from Annecy to Beirut and beyond. Nancy Denney-Phelps shares her experiences as an animation journalist, taking readers on a journey through...

David Fincher's Seven explores the darker aspects of human nature through its harrowing portrayal of a world consumed by evil. This study delves into the film's use of cinematography, sound, and plot...

Rudolph Valentino: A Life of Passion and Tragedy The silver-screen legend who changed America's idea of the leading man is the subject of this definitive biography. Emily Leider explores the life and...

Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is a film that continues to resonate with audiences today. Released in 1946, it tells the story of a man who gets a chance to see what the world would be like if...

My Character Wouldn't Do That: Acting, Cognitive Science and the Optimal Performance Brain by Donna Soto-Morettini explores a fundamental challenge in acting: self-consciousness. This approach...

Theatre Craft: A Director's Practical Companion from A to Z by John Caird is an indispensable guide for anyone involved in theatre production. With a comprehensive range of topics, from Acting and...

For over 25 years, renowned children's dramatist David Wood has been entertaining young audiences with his plays and adaptations. Now he shares his expertise in this comprehensive guide to theatre...

David Dalton's biography of James Dean is an exceptional and authoritative study of the actor's life. Based on extensive research and interviews with those close to him, it offers a comprehensive...

An Angel on Oxford Street by Geoff Thompson is a humorous and lighthearted tale that explores the complexities of life in London.With its unique blend of wit and insight, this book offers a fresh...

Discover the filmmaking secrets behind the Wizarding World's most thrilling competitions. This seventh volume in the Harry Potter: Film Vault series brings together concept art and unit photography...

Contemporary Cinematographers on Their Art offers an in-depth look at the art and craft of cinematography. Twelve interviews with leading professionals provide insight into the techniques, trends,...

This book explores the intersection of creative practice and research in the arts and humanities. It considers how creative work can lead to new insights through practice-led research, while also...

Drama Menu at a Distance brings you 80 games and exercises to help you plan engaging drama lessons in the new era of socially distanced teaching and online learning. This collection, created...

Explore the fascinating world of underwater monsters in film, from terrifying realities to fantastical tales that captivate and chill audiences alike. This book delves into the allure of sea...

This illustrated guide provides an accessible introduction to filmmaking, covering essential skills such as screenwriting, storytelling, directing, and production logistics. By learning from the...

A candid account of the director's process, A Sense of Direction offers a unique insight into the world of theatre direction. William Ball shares his approach to directing, from initial reading...

The silent film era was a pivotal moment in cinematic history, spanning thirty-five years from the mid-1890s to the late 1920s. This period is often misunderstood, but a brief and readable account...

The Comedy Cellar: A Conversation About Comedy and Society In this thought-provoking book, Andrew Hankinson explores the world of comedy through the lens of New York's iconic Comedy Cellar. He...

Four Screenplays: Studies in the American Screenplay explores the art and craft of screenwriting through four exceptional films: Thelma & Louise, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, The Silence of the...

Contemporary British Theatre explores the complex and dynamic theatre of the eighties and early nineties, reflecting a country that is multicultural, multiethnic and multinational. This survey delves...

This is How You Make a Movie by Tim Grierson explores the art of filmmaking through iconic scenes from beloved movies. Using key sequences from films like Citizen Kane, The Lord of the Rings, and...

The Creative Reflective Practitioner: Research Through Making and Practice by Linda Candy explores what it means to be a reflective creative practitioner in various fields. This book delves into the...

Vaudeville's enduring legacy is revealed in this engaging exploration of America's first stars in the modern sense. From its roots in the late 19th century to its influence on popular culture, writer...