Description
Book SynopsisCollaboration is the most important facet of any theatrical company. From the performers on stage to the choreographers, designers and technicians working behind the scenes, this book considers all departments working on a production and instructs them on how to unify their individual skills towards a shared goal. From Vaudeville to classical opera, this book establishes the skills that each specialist brings to the production process before demonstrating how each individual contribution can be utilized in tandem with all other creative teams. With particular focus on enhancing interdepartmental communication,
Collaborating Backstage examines all the challenges that may befall artistic companies and projects made up of many different parts. This book explains how to understand technical jargon within teams that speak a variety of languages and come from different cultural backgrounds; how to recognise and follow the unwritten rules' of theatre; and how best to achieve the ultima
Trade ReviewI am completely blown away by the quality of this book. As an educator, this book is fantastic, I would even go so far as to say that it could become an essential part of classroom foundation work. The writing is very clear and enjoyable to read. I could definitely see using this as a class textbook … Niermann emphasizes the value of the individual within the team. It feels like every member of the theatre is a strand that comes together to make a strong rope of teamwork. Niermann also gives real, helpful and attainable advice and guidelines to help the actor and crew members. I highly recommend
Collaborating Backstage: Breaking Barriers for the Creative Network. It is an excellent textbook for educators as well as a handbook for personal and professional growth. * OnStage Blog *
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Collaborating Backstage, Timo Niermann has managed to create a fine handbook for artists from all branches of the performing arts willing to improve their working processes. The book is full of helpful ideas, concepts, and methods. * GIFT Magazine (Bloomsbury translation) *
Collaborating Backstage is a remarkable handbook for practitioners to understand that part of real-life theater activity that is usually invisible to the audience. For researchers, it is an all-encompassing reference work about rules, backgrounds and all those tricks that help ensure a smooth cooperation among the various tribes in the theater, on- and off-stage. Simply indispensable for those who want to know more about what is going on behind the curtain! * Dr Gabriele Pfeiffer, Institute of Theatre, Filmand Media Studies, University of Vienna, Austria *
An extremely satisfying sit-down with a master raconteur and teacher. Never didactic or abstract, it’s a fascinating book that provides a buffet of ideas on how to improve our collaboration across all facets of the events we create … An excellent addition to any bookshelf on leadership, collaboration, and people skills. * Theatre Design and Technology *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Creativity backstage What this chapter is about Creative productions Skills and creativity The personal bag of experiences Improving personal creativity The production’s bag of experiences Improving team creativity Creativity and communication 2 The scenery of cooperation What this chapter is about Uniqueness Multiplying the impact Hierarchical and egalitarian structures Department line-ups Job profiles Team leaders The Responsibility Pyramid The Backstage Network Model Avenues of communication Shortcut communication? 3 Intercultural alignment What this chapter is about Recipes for cultures The family The melting Pot of the performing arts Regional and social cultures Cultural themes Working with culture shocks The roots of action Differences and similarities Perception of time Language Stage right” Establish a language, create a culture 4 Improving conditions What this chapter is about What we can learn from chickens The optimal team Positivity Keystones for commitment Physical shape Preparatory research Mind our own business Knowing ourselves Personal requirements Presenting ourselves Enabling access A punchline introduction The condition of our materials Names Body language Handshake quality Trust and fear Avoiding “No!” Reading routines Breaking routines Sense of humor Post-processing 5 The Creative exchange What this chapter is about Freedom through directions The T-I-M-O technique Task Intention Match Organize Why and when? Collaborating with the audience 6 Tools and tricks What this chapter is about Ideology Rehearsals and setup On the road 7 Summary Notes Bibliography Index
