USITT members have a great opportunity to purchase books written by their fellow members, and then have them autographed, during a special event planned for Stage Expo. The book signings, such as that with author Tan Huaixiang in 2008, have become an annual event.

Photo/Richard Finkelstein

David Rodger
TD&T Editor

At the USITT Conference & Stage Expo each year, members celebrate new books by members. In Cincinnati, eight authors will participate in the book party on Thursday afternoon outside the Boutique Stage Expo.

Alexandra Bonds has written one of the most useful books about Beijing opera in the English language. Beijing Opera Costumes provides both theory and analysis of these brilliantly colorful costumes and the method of their selection for the roles. Technical information is emphasized regarding embroidery, patterns, and construction. Over 250 illustrations record this highest form of stage arts in China as it is performed today. Ms. Bonds is professor of theatre at the University of Oregon where she teaches costume design, period styles, historical context, and Asian theatre costumes.

Rick Thomas wrote The Designs of Abe Jacob as part of the USITT monograph series on outstanding American designers. It was officially released at the Houston 2008 Conference & Stage Expo. He will be available again in Cincinnati to sign copies of this unique book about "the godfather of theatre sound." Mr. Thomas is professor of theatre, sound design and head of design and technology at Purdue University. He recently led a team of students and faculty in the creation of "Labcoats on Clouds" that premiered at the 2007 Prague Quadrennial. He is a certified sound designer in IATSE Local 1 (New York City, New York) and chair of the OISTAT Sound Working Group.

William J. Byrnes has updated his Management and the Arts, now in its fourth edition, to reflect the latest thinking and trends in managing organizations and people. New in this edition are sections on successful board relations, web marketing, and career options. A new website provides support materials for instructors and students, an author blog, and supplemental book information. Mr. Byrnes is dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts at Southern Utah University where he recently helped create the Utah Center for Arts Administration. This new element of the MFA program in arts administration will provide consulting services such as marketing plans, audience surveys, and development audits for arts organizations. The center also will offer seminars and workshops to groups in Utah and the surrounding areas.

Craig Wolf and Dick Block, co-authors with W. Oren Parker of Scene Design and Stage Lighting, will be in Cincinnati signing copies of the ninth edition of this venerable textbook. The book emphasizes modern technology with new material about digital sound and an expanded section on television design. As always, health and safety issues are paramount. The authors provide insight about collaboration in some interviews with professional lighting and scenery designers in two features: "Working Professionals" and "Designers at Work." Mr. Wolf is professor of design and head of the design program at San Diego State University, as well as a professional lighting designer whose designs have been seen nationwide. Mr. Block has served on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon for 17 years following a freelance career based in New York City.

William Pinnell has updated his Theatrical Scene Painting. The book provides step-by-step instructions on how to paint a wide variety of basic and advanced effects. The second edition includes new instructional photographs and drawings, additional painting projects, a gallery of 19 examples of professional scenic works, and an expanded glossary. Mr. Pinnell is a professor at the School of Dramatic Art at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, where he has taught for more than 20 years. A member of the Associated Designers of Canada, he has designed and painted for more than 100 major theatrical productions in Canada and the United States. He also wrote Perspective Rendering for the Theatre published by SIU Press in 1996.

Paul Thompson and Gil Romero have revised their Character Make-up. The book is a step-by-step guide in techniques ranging from simple effects to complex prosthetic make-ups. This second edition includes full-color photographs illustrating each step of the process. Mr. Thompson is director of education at the Make-up Designory in Los Angeles, California. He has been a professional make-up artist for over 20 years and has taught all phases of make-up artistry for the past 13 years. Mr. Romero is a professional make-up artist specializing in make-up effects.

The annual member-author book party is a fun way to meet with authors, talk about their books, and get their autographs. The Institute is proud to acknowledge the expertise of its members and help newly published authors promote their books. These books will be available for sale at the USITT Boutique in Cincinnati and through the USITT online bookstore.

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