A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting

This is hands-down the best book I've ever read regarding the process of designing and executing a lighting design. Other books do wonderful jobs of discussing instruments and electrical aspects, or how to create a design, but very few discuss the day-to-day paperwork and personal interactions involved in getting that design executed. This book addresses that subject thoroughly, discussing what documents to create, how to schedule time in the theatre, how to work with all the other folks involved in creating a production, and so on. Highly recommended.

"A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting" is destined to become the definative source of instruction in the field of theatrical lighting. With the books emphasis on the process of light design it gives the reader the tools necessary to create the art. Whether your goal is to become a good stage electrician or a good designer the explainations in this book will allow you to work and communicate quickly and efficiently during that precious time allotted for load-in, hang and focus.Steve Shelley, by taking a chronological approach to light design, illustarates exactly what goes into a successful design. He defines his terms, explains why he does things, and provides anecdotes and insights that make the book entertaining and easy to read.The final section of the book on how to focus lights will teach you more about creating and implementing a light design than any other book you have, can or will read.

Thanks Steve! I met Steve and bought his book at the 1999 USITT Expo in Toronto. When I returned to The University of Illinois in the fall for the first semester of my sophomore year, I found that this was the textbook for one of my lighting design classes. I agree with the previous reviewers, this book is great. Steve takes you from zero to hero on the design of a sample show. From the first call to the last curtain Mr. Template himself outlines what a typical lighting designer does, and reminds us what a typical designer FORGETS to do! He provides many thorough checklists to make sure you've got your bases covered when you're in an unfamiliar space or dealing with unfamiliar people. Steve even let's us in on some of the more humorous stories involved in his lifetime of experience. From the classroom beginner to the top-notch LD, this book is a strong tool to carry in your travel case.

Mr. Shelley starts from the idea that you, the reader, have some lighting design ideas that you want to achieve. He then leads you through a complete tool kit to assure that you will be able to accomplish your designs within the realities of limited stage time and limited budgets. The material is invaluable, and the presentation is highly enjoyable. Bravo!

Steven Shelley has done it again. After the triumph of his lighting templates, Shelley branched out and wrote a fabulous book on stage lighting. You don't need to be an expert lighting technician to understand this book. Shelley uses easy to understand terms and metaphores. This book is perfect no matter if you are like me, a struggling lighting designer just out of college, or have been in the business for 30 years, you*will* find something new in this book... I highly recommend it.