HomeI guess every newbie or student who wants to learn stage lighting would need a book which specify every details about stage and lighting, like what's the purpose of stage lighting and how many types of instruments we have now. Reading a book is the best way to gain the general ideas and concepts of certain spheres, especially when things get technical and systematic. I would like to recommend some informative and useful books for ones who need them by gathering them together here and write a summary review for each book, and I would give ratings from 0 star to 5 star to each as longman's evaluation.
A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting Third Edition
The author is Steven Louis Shelley, the original version was published at 2009, and the third version of this book(newest version) was published at 2013. The book presents the whole process of a stage lighting practical production into 4 stages, first stage is to analysis what's the contract, budget and schedule of your project, second stage is to know better at all forms of lighting of your constructions and how to deal with rentals and shop orders, third stage is to start implementing and make sure everything is under control, last stage is to clean up and store lighting instruments after your show is over.
Amazon rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Goodreads rating: 4.33
Longman Stage Lighting rating: 4.5
Book and reviews on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Stage-Lighting-Third/dp/0415812003/
The Stage Lighting Handbook
The author is Francis Reid, the book was published at 2001. This handbook first introduces the aim in lighting which answers entry-level learners of their first question. Then it mentions all forms of lighting instruments include automated ones, and also explains all the main lingo like rigging, wiring, focus, color, projection and effects. Later the book talks about lighting designs on different occasions and events such as play and dance. The last chapter brings a little chat on the topic of light education because Francis Reid is a lighting designer and lecturer.
Amazon rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars
Goodreads rating: 3.9
Longman Stage Lighting rating: 4.0
Book and reviews on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting-Handbook-Francis-Reid/dp/087830147X/
Stage Lighting Design: The Art, the Craft, the Life
The author is Richard Pilbrow, the book was published at 1997. The book has four major sections: design, history, life and mechanics. The design and mechanics sections explain all the theory and technical concepts, the history section teach us how the lighting and stage was requited and evolved over time, the life section is truly concerned about 15 designer's lives and careers which will definitely inspire our own paths. Bonus, the book has many photographs(but not much color pictures).
Amazon rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Goodreads rating: 4.0
Longman Stage Lighting rating: 4.1
Book and reviews on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stage-Lighting-Design-Craft-Life/dp/0896762351/
Other Recommendations
Those are the must-read books about stage lighting and design that I highly recommend. I may miss some good books out there, so here are other recommendations from experts or professional websites:
http://www.onstagelighting.co.uk/stage-lighting-books/stage-lighting-books/
https://www.controlbooth.com/threads/best-lighting-book.6123/
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