Contents

Preface

1 · House to half

A beginning

2 · Design for theatre

Why we attend theatre; why we make theatre; why we design theatre

3 · The concept

How designers make meaning

4 · Acts of creation

Navigating art, craft, and trade in the theatre

5 · Guiding principles and practical advice

Nine hints for theatrical designers

6 · On magic and mechanics

A theatrical designer’s spell-book

7 · The limits of design

Two lessons in humility

8 · What it takes

A character analysis of the designer

9 · Curtain call

An ending

Postscript

Recapitulation

Notes

A designer’s library

Acknowledgments

Credits

Index