Several qualities set Theatre: The Lively Art apart from other introductory texts. A particularly important element is the emphasis on the audience: all students reading the book are potential theatregoers, not just during their college years but throughout their lives. The text works as a one-volume guide to preparing students as future audience members. It will help them grasp how theatre functions; how it should be viewed and judged; and the tradition behind any performance they may attend.


Lively Art also encourages students to draw connections between theatre and other forms of drama and entertainment, including television and sports.


Lively Art allows instructors to cover both the elements of the theatre and its history. It is lauded for its exploration of today's diverse and global theatre. In addition to serving as an ideal text for nonmajors, Theatre: The Lively Art will prepare students who wish to continue their studies in theatre and other entertainment fields.