The true stars of theatre aren't just to be found on the stage – for every actor who takes a bow, there's an army of brilliant creatives behind the scenes who are absolutely essential to making the show happen.
In this selection, we've rounded up some practical, inspiring books for whatever backstage career you're thinking of pursuing – including stage management, directing, production, composing, design, lighting, and more – all available at 40% off in our Sale.
Plus, £1 from every book sold in our Sale will go to the Theatre Artists Fund, which continues to provide emergency support for theatre-workers and freelancers across the UK affected by the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the theatre sector.
Remember, everything included in the Sale has been handpicked from the shelves at NHB HQ, and stock is strictly limited. So if you see something you want, move fast to avoid missing out – because once it's gone, it's gone!
Take a look at what's on offer below, and head back to our main Sale page to browse the whole range of playscripts and books currently available at a very special 40% discount, for a limited time only.
Looking for books on writing and creating theatre? Check out our Sale selection on Devising, Improv and Writing.
Creating Worlds
How to Make Immersive Theatre
A practical guide to creating successful immersive theatre productions, by an experienced theatre-maker and practitioner.
Drama Games for Classrooms and Workshops
101 great drama games for use in any classroom or workshop setting. Part of the Nick Hern Books Drama Games series.
Drama Games for Rehearsals
A dip-in, flick-through, quick-fire resource book in the bestselling Drama Games series offering dozens of ideas and exercises to energise and inspire a bold, creative rehearsal process for any play, of any period or genre.
Inventing the Truth: Devising and Directing for the Theatre
An invaluable guide to the difficult arts of devising plays and directing texts, by one of the UK’s leading theatre directors.
Puppetry: How to Do It
A practical, accessible and inspiring guide to using puppetry in theatre, by a leading expert in the field.
So You Want To Be A Theatre Designer?
The definitive guide to designing for theatre – by an award-winning designer with over 160 productions to his name.
So You Want To Be A Theatre Producer?
A comprehensive guide to every aspect of producing a show, from raising the money to creating a hit. Revised and updated.
So You Want To Work In Theatre?
By Susan ElkinAn essential guide for young people who want to work in the theatre - but aren't sure exactly what they want to do, or how to get to do it. By the Education and Training Editor of The Stage.
Stage Lighting Design
The Art, The Craft, The Life
The definitive text for today's and tomorrow's lighting designers, covering the complete history, theory and practice of lighting design.
Stage Management
The Essential Handbook
By Gail PallinThe highly successful "Bible for any stage manager", now in a revised and updated edition.
Telling the Truth
How to Make Verbatim Theatre
A practical guide to creating and producing verbatim theatre, by an experienced theatre-maker and practitioner.
Writing Music for the Stage
A Practical Guide for Theatremakers
By Michael Bruce Foreword by Josie RourkeThe definitive guide to writing music for the stage, by the Composer-in-Residence at the Donmar Warehouse.
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