Every aspect of the theatrical world is covered in this exciting introduction to acting and theatre. It illustrates and explains some of the ways actors train and rehearse, as well as going into the practical arts of set, props and costume design and the technical basics of theatre lighting and sound. In addition, the history of theatre, how a modern theatre is run, the people and ideas that have most influenced theatre this century and even what kinds of jobs are available in the theatre today are all discussed. A large Wh’s Who of international playwrights and their major works and a glossary of technical terms make this a wide-ranging and fascinating insight into a colourful subjects.