With hundreds of diagrams, photographs, and light plots, Pilbrow clearly presents the theory and practice of the art of stage lighting. The history of lighting design brings the reader a better understanding of the age-old quest for improved lighting on the stage. The section of war stories and interviews with many well-known professionals reveals the joys and tribulations of working in this demanding art.The mechanics section is a survey of the vast range of technical systems that the working designer will need to be familiar with in a theatre.