This is hands-down the best book Ive 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.
I would say this is NOT the first book to buy or read for someone wanting to learn stage lighting design. The books does not cover the basic theories. But - it offers a very good guide to the real-world contraints and demands of lighting. The author give very concrete and useful suggestions and advice. Analysing a complete design (Hokey) step-by-step is a clever move. It is also the perfect book for those who want learn how to accurately document their designs to last nut and bolt. Even with my 20+ years in lighting and lighting design, I found this book a worthwhile addition to my collection of lighting textbooks.
Get This Book! This book has everything a aspiring lighting designer needs. Shelley clearly shows his thoughts with clear illustrations. The first page is his complete lighting design for a show!!Buy It!
