This practical handbook is written for everyone learning to or already working on, off or backstage. It highlights the optimal ways to use the creative resources of a stage production and how to combine the expert knowledge and experience of individual departments such as costumes, scenery, choreography, stage technology and music. This includes aligning different cultural and international backgrounds towards a shared goal. You will learn how to understand the team's particular approaches and skills while to incorporating them into the whole production through enhanced communication within the multicultural network and by optimising the collective task at hand.
Based on his experience as a performer, director, stage manager and technician in more than 40 countries Timo Niermann concludes that the foundation of any outstanding performance is the creative exchange within the backstage team. Over the years he has developed practical techniques to save time, money and energy in any stage production. His professional insight is underlined with relevant theories to support and enrich the overall cooperation. With this book, anyone who works on, off or backstage can strengthen their own position within a culturally diverse network and fully utilise the shared creative process.
Industry Reviews
I 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 *
With 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 *
