What reviewers have said about Fundamentals of Theatrical Design

“Focusing on the analytical, intellectual, and artistic "how and why" of the design process, Ms. Brewster and Ms. Shafer have written a wonderful, insightful text for young designers, in fact, for all collaborative artists. I've been hoping for a design text of this caliber for a long time.” - Vickie Scott, Studio Professor, University of California Santa Barbara

"This text is a clearly presented, thorough introduction to scenic, costume, and lighting design. A useful tool for educators, and a guide for early designers through basic research methods, design skills, and navigating the production process. Offers an insight to the language and culture of theatrical design that would benefit any early designer." - Karen Maness, Charge Scenic Artist for Texas Performing Arts at the University of Texas at Austin

"This text grabbed me from the very beginning. It is so easy to read, I honestly didn't want to put it down. What a nice change from dry tomes of information. I kept making notes and underlining sections - can't wait to share this with my classes." - Sarah Brewer, Assistant Professor, Theatre Arts, Rocky Mountain College

“The Fundamentals of Theatrical Design by Karen Brewster and Melissa Shafer is an excellent text for beginning theatre students no matter what their interest(s) might be. It will be of benefit to serious high school drama programs as well as college theatre programs. Several things make this book outstanding, especially the superb practical exercises at the end of each chapter. These exercises teach needed skills in a way that is interesting and accessible to the student no matter the level. The appendices will also be extremely valuable to novice design students particularly the one on genre and the one outlining the components of preparing for a successful job search.” - Martha Marking, Professor, Appalachian State University