Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television
📘 About This Book
Biographical reference providing information on individuals active in the theatre, film, and television industries. Covers not only performers, directors, writers, and producers, but also behind-the-scenes specialists such as designers, managers, choreographers, technicians, composers, executives, dancers, and critics from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and the world.
📖 Summary
Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television, edited by Thomas Riggs and published in 2006, stands as an exhaustive and indispensable biographical reference work dedicated to chronicling the lives and careers of prominent figures working across the modern performing arts and entertainment industries. Designed to serve as a definitive resource for researchers, students, industry professionals, and enthusiasts alike, this volume captures the expansive landscape of global entertainment during a pivotal era of media production. Rather than focusing solely on the marquee names that routinely grace movie posters or playbills, the publication casts a remarkably wide net, ensuring that the countless creative and technical forces driving the worlds of theatre, film, and television receive their rightful documentation. At its core, the book functions as a comprehensive directory detailing the professional trajectories of individuals active in virtually every facet of the entertainment business. While celebrated performers, visionary directors, acclaimed writers, and powerful producers naturally occupy a significant portion of the biographical entries, the text equally elevates the vital contributions of behind-the-scenes specialists. Readers will find meticulously compiled profiles of set, costume, and lighting designers, stage and production managers, inventive choreographers, technical specialists, gifted composers, studio and network executives, professional dancers, and insightful critics. This holistic approach underscores the reality that successful stage productions, cinematic blockbusters, and television programs are the culmination of deeply collaborative efforts involving a vast array of specialized talents. Geographically, the scope of the reference extends far beyond domestic boundaries. While maintaining a strong emphasis on talent originating from the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, the volume also incorporates international figures who have shaped the global artistic dialogue. This international perspective enriches the reference value of the text, allowing readers to trace cross-cultural influences and global career trajectories within the entertainment sector. Each entry typically offers a structured overview of a subject's professional background, highlighting major credits, awards, educational history, and key milestones in their respective careers. By preserving these career records in a single, accessible format, the book serves multiple practical purposes. For academics and film historians, it provides primary-level biographical data necessary for rigorous scholarship and cultural analysis. For casting directors, researchers, and media professionals, it acts as a reliable verification tool and historical archive. For aspiring artists and students dreaming of entering the industry, it offers a revealing look at the diverse career paths available within the performing arts, demonstrating how specialists transition from early training to major professional achievements. Ultimately, Thomas Riggs has curated an essential archival milestone that honors the immense human labor, creativity, and dedication required to bring contemporary theatre, film, and television to life. It remains a timeless testament to the individuals who entertain, challenge, and inspire global audiences day in and day out.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Extensive and detailed biographical coverage of industry professionals
Includes both front-of-house talent and crucial behind-the-scenes specialists
Broad geographic scope encompassing North America, Great Britain, and international contributors
Serves as an authoritative and reliable reference tool for academic and professional research
⚠️ Cons
Biographical information reflects the industry landscape up to 2006 and lacks subsequent updates
Strictly a reference directory rather than a narrative book meant for casual reading
❓ FAQ
What is the primary focus of Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television? +
It is a biographical reference book that provides detailed information on individuals active in the theatre, film, and television industries.
Who edited this 2006 reference volume? +
The book was edited by Thomas Riggs.
Does the book only cover famous actors and directors? +
No, it also covers behind-the-scenes specialists such as designers, managers, choreographers, technicians, composers, executives, dancers, and critics.
What geographic regions are covered in the book? +
It covers individuals from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and other parts of the world.
How can this book be used practically? +
It serves as a reliable resource for research, career verification, historical archiving, and exploring the diverse professions within the entertainment sector.
