10 Leading Broadway Designers Go Behind the Scenes in Michael J. Riha's STARTING YOUR CAREER AS A THEATRICAL DESIGNER

If you've ever wondered what it really takes to make it in the world of theater design, then Starting Your Career as a Theatrical Designer: Insights and Advice from Leading Broadway Designers (Allworth Press, August 2012) by Michael J. Riha is just the guide. Ten award-winning and current Broadway designers-including five set designers, four lighting designers, and one projection designer-discuss the business aspects of the theater world, sharing insider information and strategies that will prove invaluable to aspiring and seasoned theatrical designers alike.

The advice and information offered in these enlightening conversations will give readers a better understanding of how designing for commercial theater is different from designing for academic settings or not-for-profit theaters. Also included are designer sketches, finished drawings, technical plates of drafting, photos of scale models, storyboards illustrating multi-scene productions and unique lighting looks, and photos from Broadway and regional Theater Productions.

The world of theater design has changed drastically over the past twenty years. Today, computer-controlled scenic units soar across the stage with virtual ease. Beautiful backdrops that were once hand painted are being replaced with digital printouts, projections, and LED screens. The trick to becoming a successful Broadway designer today is to familiarize yourself with these new methods, and Starting Your Career as a Theatrical Designer will show you how.

Michael J. Riha is the director of design and vice chair of the Department of Drama at the University of Arkansas. He has designed scenery, lighting, sound, and costumes for well over one hundred productions. Riha's current work is as an assistant designer to Christine Jones on the upcoming Metropolitan Opera production of Rigoletto. He lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Allworth Press publishes business and how-to books for artists, graphic designers, photographers, and interior designers, as well as for filmmakers, performing artists, and authors. In addition, Allworth Press also publishes legal and personal finance guides for the general public. Books from Allworth Press are distributed to the book trade by W. W. Norton and can be found in better bookstores. Titles may also be ordered directly from the publisher by calling (212) 643-6816 or visiting www.allworth.com.