Catalog record
978-1-041-04518-2
2027
Cover art. Final cover design pending.
Backstage Essentials is a practical introduction to the work performed by stagehands and event technicians. Topics include production operations, safety, power distribution, audio, lighting, video, communication, troubleshooting, and professional expectations.
This book was written to help readers understand how live event work is actually performed. The emphasis is on practical knowledge, workplace expectations, and the skills needed to contribute effectively on a production crew.
Contents
Why I wrote it
For many new technicians, the hardest part of entering the industry is understanding what the job actually involves. Training resources often focus on theatre, individual technical disciplines, or equipment references.
Backstage Essentials was written as an introduction to the work itself. It brings together production operations, technical systems, crew expectations, and workplace practices in a format intended for students, entry-level technicians, and training programs.
The material reflects experience in live event production, audiovisual technology, technical education, and workforce development.
Who it is for
This book assumes no prior professional experience. It is intended for readers who are preparing for their first production call, participating in a student crew, volunteering in community theatre, or entering a live event production program.
- New stagehands
- Student production crews
- Technical theatre students
- Community theatre volunteers
- Live event technicians
- CTE programs
Also published
A hands-on guide to medical office administration used in Medical Assistant programs across the United States. View at Elsevier
Live Event Production Workshop brings industry knowledge into the classroom (Winter 2025)
Tech Warriors: Merging Com-Sci and AV Fields at Two Rivers High School in Minnesota (Winter 2024)
Contact
Questions about the book, instructional use, review copies, or course adoption are welcome. bill@backstageessentials.com
Backstage Essentials: Skills for Stagehand Technicians in Live Event Production is published by Routledge, an imprint of Taylor and Francis Group, and scheduled for release on March 24, 2027. Routledge and Taylor and Francis Group are registered trademarks of Informa UK Limited.