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How Does the Show Go On: An Introduction to the Theater
Filled with detailed explanations, captivating illustrations, and entertaining trivia, this clearly written, lively, and uniquely-designed book is a first-of-its-kind introduction to the world of the Theatre, from the box office to backstage, and beyond. From one side of the book, the reader enters via the front door, where the people and activities of the “front of house” can be examined. From the book’s other side, the reader enters the “Stage Door,” where the behind-the-scenes world of the “Back of house” is revealed.
In exploring this visually-inviting “theatre of the mind,” readers encounter the people, places, occupations, and equipment of the theatre world, and have the opportunity to investigate them all. From the box office and the Usher Staff to the Dressing Rooms and the Backstage doorman, the reader may wander at will within this one-of-a-kind world, discovering the wonders of theatre all along the way.
In exploring this visually-inviting “theatre of the mind,” readers encounter the people, places, occupations, and equipment of the theatre world, and have the opportunity to investigate them all. From the box office and the Usher Staff to the Dressing Rooms and the Backstage doorman, the reader may wander at will within this one-of-a-kind world, discovering the wonders of theatre all along the way.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published July 17, 2007
3 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 5, 2018
Very explanatory on how the theater goes on . I liked the pop outs, contributed to the whole point of the book.
April 5, 2016
Schumacher's How Does the Show Go On?: An Introduction to the Theater is a lavishly-illustrated, three-dimensional, and semi-interactive book containing a detailed overview of everything from the front of the house, to the back of the house, to how to read your ticket, to explaining how Will Call works, to the assorted roles and responsibilities of the many, many people who collaborate to make a theatrical production happen.
While this is not a kid's book, it is a book that adult(s) and child(ren) could profitably work through together in anticipation of a trip to the theatre--either as a pre-teach or a follow-up (or both, based on questions that may arise in the course of the outing). Ditto for adults making a foray to the theatre. It's a clever reference that any theatre-loving family might wish to have on the shelf for those random moments where someone asks, "What's the difference again between stage left and stage right?" It would also be a great resource for any grade-level where the teacher wants to instruct students of any age on some aspect of a theatrical production. That said, school libraries could profitably place it on their shelves.
I particularly appreciated the semi-interactive nature of the book. Specifically, the fact that there were flaps to open, items (e.g., a ticket stub, costume sketches and associated swatches, stage manager's cue sheet, etc.) to examine, and even a little reinforcement exercise toward book's close were welcome additions to more traditional explanatory text and image.
On a personal note, my favorite bit was the inclusion of a brief discussion of theatre etiquette. Well played, sir! While one wishes it weren't necessary, we all know that it is as evidenced by every "curtain speech" we've ever heard, random flash, and crinkling wrapper.
My only quibble with the book is that its clever packaging--most notably the front cover that opens in the center to mimic the opening of the Act Curtain--makes this somewhat heavy book (esp. if one is reading it in bed) awkward to hold while reading. If you don't fold the right hand flap back inside behind some of the pages, you are likely to break the spine.
At $19.95 for the hardback (not sure if there is a paperback edition), this is a handy reference and would make a lovely gift for anyone--tween, teen, or adult alike.
While this is not a kid's book, it is a book that adult(s) and child(ren) could profitably work through together in anticipation of a trip to the theatre--either as a pre-teach or a follow-up (or both, based on questions that may arise in the course of the outing). Ditto for adults making a foray to the theatre. It's a clever reference that any theatre-loving family might wish to have on the shelf for those random moments where someone asks, "What's the difference again between stage left and stage right?" It would also be a great resource for any grade-level where the teacher wants to instruct students of any age on some aspect of a theatrical production. That said, school libraries could profitably place it on their shelves.
I particularly appreciated the semi-interactive nature of the book. Specifically, the fact that there were flaps to open, items (e.g., a ticket stub, costume sketches and associated swatches, stage manager's cue sheet, etc.) to examine, and even a little reinforcement exercise toward book's close were welcome additions to more traditional explanatory text and image.
On a personal note, my favorite bit was the inclusion of a brief discussion of theatre etiquette. Well played, sir! While one wishes it weren't necessary, we all know that it is as evidenced by every "curtain speech" we've ever heard, random flash, and crinkling wrapper.
My only quibble with the book is that its clever packaging--most notably the front cover that opens in the center to mimic the opening of the Act Curtain--makes this somewhat heavy book (esp. if one is reading it in bed) awkward to hold while reading. If you don't fold the right hand flap back inside behind some of the pages, you are likely to break the spine.
At $19.95 for the hardback (not sure if there is a paperback edition), this is a handy reference and would make a lovely gift for anyone--tween, teen, or adult alike.
February 7, 2015
Ever gone to see a play or musical and wonder what it takes to make it happen? Ever look through a Playbill or a souvenir booklet from a Broadway show and wonder what all those people do? This is the book for you! Tom Schumacher and Jeff Kurtti have done a wonderful job putting together a primer on what goes on behind the theatre curtain; although intended primarily for children, Tom and his colleagues share anecdotes about their experiences in the theatre that will keep adults entertained, and the illustrations and replicas in the book are a lot of fun to see. If you're a fan of all things Disney, you're going to love the stuff from Disney Theatrical productions. It's a really fun book and a quick read.
February 6, 2009
Cleverly packaged book all about the theater, from attending a show to backstage to costume design. Gorgeous pictures. Fairly simple, well-written text with lots of callouts. Good for browsing or reading through.
December 4, 2009
A good overview of the business of theater. Beautiful pictures. Focused on commercial theater (published by Disney).
May 4, 2019
The book How Does the Show Go On is a interactive book about how the theatre works. It talks about the roles of actors, directors, costume designers, and play writers. Each page has an interactive part for the kids to read or play with.
I would give this book a 4/5. This book is a good overview of what happens in theatre. It teaches kids what goes on behind the scene and how everything works. This is great for a kid who has interest in the world of theatre.
I would give this book a 4/5. This book is a good overview of what happens in theatre. It teaches kids what goes on behind the scene and how everything works. This is great for a kid who has interest in the world of theatre.
August 24, 2023
This book purports to show how Broadway productions come together, but really only discusses Disney shows. And Disney Broadway shows are backed by a corporate megacorp, based on well known intellectual property -- hardly typical.
So the book lacks variety and nuance.
So the book lacks variety and nuance.
November 29, 2017
Really cool book!
August 11, 2011
This is the book that WTTW11 gives away if you make a big donation. What they don't mention is that it is geared twords older children. It is a cool book. It opens like a theater curtin. While you read it there are copies of real scripts that you can pull out and even swatch sketches of clothing from the Lion King Play. It was a good and easy read. It definitly informs you about what goes on behind the scenes in live theater. My favorite part about this book is the fact that it is unique.
May 3, 2016
Interesting and informative. Great for theatre lovers who have a passion for knowing what goes on behind the scenes. Focus is on shows that have recently been on broadway. Exercises, stage notes, and and an encore section add a special touch. I read the library "reference only" copy. I will put this on my wish list.
January 29, 2009
Reading this made me want to plan a trip to NYC immediately! It's overly focused on a handful of Broadway shows that the author worked on, but lots of interesting info about what goes on in the creation of a show!
June 17, 2009
if u r interested in how brodway go about, u should read this book!
September 5, 2010
Through Disney musical,I knew how to make musical from this book.
This is very interesting book for Disney and stage lovers!!
This is very interesting book for Disney and stage lovers!!
December 30, 2010
informative, smart, short, and simple but the font sucks :D
July 26, 2011
A cute book with fun little tid bits about theater. I think this is a good book for any kid that is interested in theater and would like to learn about it, and what it takes to make a show happen.
January 11, 2012
Lots of people help out in a theatrical production. Besides the authors, there are people responsible for the set, the lights, make-up, props, and costumes! JY
December 15, 2012
Whether you're a theatre lover from the house or from backstage, this book just makes you love it more!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews