Theatre

great book for understanding theatre the 7th eddition has just updated pictures than the 6th the chapters are almost identicle except placement of pictuers if you are using it for a class the material is the same dont get the 5th or the brief version if the 7th is required the chapters are in different order but the 6th is pretty much the 7th (except silly picture placement ) have fun with you're clss enjoy

I've used a couple of versions of Cohen for 8 years in high school classrooms. (IMHO, much of it isn't freshman and sophomore-friendly.) I personally turn to it often, as well. I have nothing but the highest regard for Cohen's work here. He manages to combine general aesthetic issues with historical detail and current theatrical practices. His enthusiasm is palpable. The "digest" versions of selected plays combine meaty chunks of text with synopses and terrific illustrations. This book energetically avoids a textbook-y tone. (Heads up: I have not seen the latest edition.)