Best Theater Books of 2025

Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre, published in 1987 by Routledge, is a must-read for theatre enthusiasts, educators, and students alike. The book challenges readers to liberate their imagination and cultivate their creativity, much like a child. While not everyone may agree with everything in the book, it is full of excellent observations and inspired assertions that are sure to challenge readers. Overall, Impro deserves to be widely read and tested in both the classroom and rehearsal hall. Its wisdom and whimsicality make it a unique and valuable addition to any library.

The third edition of Electricity for the Entertainment Electrician & Technician is a comprehensive guide for those working in live event production. It covers every aspect of power distribution, from basic circuits to portable power generators and battery power, with ample photographs and illustrations, real-world examples, and practice problems. The book also walks readers through the process of prepping for a show, setting up a portable power distribution system, and monitoring every aspect of the system. The resource supports practicing technicians and provides new technicians the assistance they need for a successful career in the entertainment industry.

Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters (MindTap Course List) Ninth Edition is a comprehensive guide to interpersonal communication, with a focus on cultural diversity and social media. Author Julia Wood draws on her extensive experience as a professor to provide readers with the skills they need to effectively communicate in today's world. The book is fully integrated with the MindTap Mobile App, allowing for easy learning on the go. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and navigate the complexities of interpersonal relationships in diverse environments.

The 13th edition of Gendered Lives: Communication, Gender, & Culture by Julia Wood offers a comprehensive and balanced perspective on gender issues. The book covers emerging topics and the latest research in the field, including the impact of social media and gender in the public sphere. Written in a conversational style, it's an engaging introduction to the field of gender communication. Wood, a distinguished professor of humanities, has extensive experience in research and teaching. Overall, Gendered Lives is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of gender and society.

The Essential Theatre, 11th Edition, is an engaging and insightful resource that provides a comprehensive survey of the theatre. Written by highly respected teachers and theatre historians, it covers theatre practice from its origins through postmodernism and performance art. The new chapter on musical theatre, "Then and Now" boxes, and numerous contemporary photographs make this edition stand out. The book is intellectually rigorous and provides an excellent foundation for beginning theatre students. Overall, it is a well-written and authoritative textbook that is sure to enrich the theatre experience of students and non-majors alike.

Fitting and Pattern Alteration: A Multi-Method Approach to the Art of Style Selection, Fitting, and Alteration is a comprehensive guide that shows readers how to recognize, evaluate, and correct fit for 88 figure variations. The authors use a multi-level approach that is both logical and easy to follow, and each procedure is clearly identified and fully illustrated. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in fashion design and fitting. It is an excellent resource for students and professionals alike.

The Stage Rigging Handbook, Third Edition is a must-have book for anyone involved in the design, operation, and maintenance of stage-rigging equipment. Written in an easy-to-understand outline form, this book covers all the major types of rigging systems, including block and tackle, hemp, counterweight, and motorized. The new edition includes a discussion of training in the operation of rigging systems, inspection procedures for rigging systems, and essential information about the operation of fire curtains. It also contains many new illustrations and expanded information on Nicopress terminations. Overall, this book is an excellent resource that should be on every theatre technician's bookshelf.

Stages of Reckoning is an essential book for those interested in actor training spaces and the intersection of racialized bodies and power. Amy Mihyang Ginther's book challenges readers to take risks with their ideologies and practices to create spaces where students can bring more of themselves, their communities, and their stories into their training. This book is unique as it centers the voices of actor trainers of color and offers actionable ideas for text work, casting, voice, consent practices, and movement while providing decolonial approaches to current Eurocentric methods. Overall, Stages of Reckoning is a must-read for those in the field of interpersonal relations.

The Stage Manager's Toolkit, Third Edition is an essential guide for stage management students and early career stage managers. The book provides a comprehensive account of the role of the stage manager in live theatre, outlining the duties of both the stage manager and assistant stage manager throughout a production. It also includes communication objectives for each phase of production, necessary paperwork, and best practices for creating a healthy and safe rehearsal space. This edition covers digital stage management tools, Equity practices for early career stage managers, and updated paperwork examples. The customizable paperwork templates and instructional videos on the companion website are a valuable resource. Overall, this book is an indispensable companion for any stage management course.

Judge for Yourself: Famous American Trials for Readers Theatre is a collection of ten compelling readers theatre scripts based on actual trial proceedings. The scripts have been adapted to the interest and reading level of students in upper elementary and middle school, allowing them to glimpse into the past and the US justice system. These scripts are not only a great tool for enhancing history, social studies, civics, humanities, or the English program but also sharpen critical thinking skills and help build and refine reading, oral presentation, and performance skills. Overall, this book is a unique and valuable addition to any classroom or library interested in exploring American history through drama.