★An all-in-one guide to the technical and production skills that power any theatre show, explaining each of the key backstage roles and how they contribute to success on the stage.
★Core skills and techniques are clearly explained and illustrated, and there are case studies showing how they have been used in actual productions, as well as advice on developing your skills and top tips for success in your backstage career.
★An essential manual for anyone working on theatre productions at any level, and an ideal companion for those in training, this book will equip you with the practical know-how to turn your ideas into reality.

Written by a long-serving Director of Technical Training at RADA, The Backstage Bible sets out in clear, practical terms the job of each member of the backstage team, together with the tools and techniques they have at their disposal, including sections on:

Design: how to come up with a concept that expresses your interpretative approach, use storyboards and model boxes, and get the most out of your budget.
Stage Management: how to run productive rehearsals, mark out and block the show, use prompt books and rehearsal notes, and deal with the complexities of managing any production.
Costume, Make-up and Props: how to deliver successful solutions within budget using a range of creative strategies and techniques, make best use of materials, and supervise and maintain everything throughout the run.
Construction and Scenic Art: how to bring the onstage world to life with safe and effective construction techniques.
Lighting and Sound: how to use technical effects to enhance performance and deliver emotional impact, and how to combine them into a coherent overall design.
Production Management: how to make it all happen, on time and within budget, and ensure safe and effective communication between every member of the team.
There are also sections on technical management and stage craft, using the latest digital technologies, and how the director and performers can collaborate with the backstage team to deliver the best possible version of the show.

Neil was appointed Head of Lighting for RADA in 1985, and Director of Technical Training in 2002. Neil studied Drama at Manchester University. His first professional lighting designs were for Contact Theatre in Manchester. Favourite Designs include The Tempest for Deborah Warner, Arturo Ui for Di Trevis, Moonlanding (Derby Playhouse), Bloody Poetry (off-Broadway), King Arthur (Royal Naval Chapel, Greenwich), Ludus Danielis (Southwark Cathedral/King’s College Chapel, Cambridge) and many UK repertory theatre productions. Since joining RADA, he has had the pleasure of designing light for directors including William Gaskill, Nona Shepphard, Andrew Visnevski, Geoff Bullen, Robin Midgley, Deborah Paige, Edward Kemp and Lucy Skilbeck. Neil has also written several books: Sound and Lighting for the Theatre; Stage Lighting Design: A Practical Guide; Stage Lighting Explained; The Handbook of Stage Lighting (with Simon Bennison) and Theatre History Explained. Neil has taught across Europe, at the National School of Drama, New Delhi, and in 2008 was appointed Visiting Professor for the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, Beijing.