RESOURCE PUBLICATIONS

These books are helpful in building a library of information on practical aspect of theatre: from performing to producing to writing. Many are updated annually.
Contents apply to secular and Christian theatre.

ACTING

"THE AUDITION NEWS PERFORMER'S HANDBOOK" - Directory for professional and community theatre in Chicago area; national theme parks and cruise ships; information for jingle singers, and extensive suggestions for competing in voice-over industry. Mail-order: Chicago Entertainment Co., P.O. Box 250, Bloomingdale, Il 60108.

THE BOOK: AN ACTOR'S GUIDE TO CHICAGO (Edited by Mechelle Moe) - Directory of photographers, casting directors, talent agencies, and providers of technical equipment. Plus, guide to history of theatre in Chicago, history of Improvisation, and tips for practical aspects of living in the industry - including training schools, coaches, housing, public transit maps, and health resources. www.performink.com

ACTING IN CHICAGO: HOW TO BREAK INTO THEATRE, FILM & TELEVISION (by Belinda Bremmer) -- Practical steps on how the industry works in Chicago, but principles are applicable to other regions. Topics include roles of agents, casting agents, unions; recommended tools of the trade; differences between working in film and theatre; suggestions for working in voiceover markets, and how to work with talented children. Available at Act 1 Bookstore. www.act1books.com

PRODUCTION

CHURCH PRODUCTION MAGAZINE - Bi-monthly educational magazine for houses of worship covering latest equipment and trends in audio, video and lighting technologies. (Write: P.O. Box 3363, Cary, NC 27519-3363; Phone: 919.677.4000; Fax: 919.677.4001) www.churchproduction.com

THE CHICAGO CREATIVE DIRECTORY - Compilation of data on advertising, producing and technical agencies. (Write: 333 N. Michigan Ave., #810; Chicago 60601; Phone: 312/236-7337; Fax: 312-236-6078) www.creativedir.com

THEATRE SOURCES DOT COM: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO ONLINE THEATRE AND DANCE RESOURCES (By Louis E. Catron) -- Directory of over 750 links, including basics of searching the net; listings of theatre web rings; sites for playwrights, directors, actors, stage combat; technical design (stagecraft, costumes, lighting, makeup); and data on arts management, copyright, job sites, guides to publishers and agents. Available at bookstores, or Heinemann Drama (www.heinemandrama.com).

SCRIPTING

CHRISTIAN WRITERS' MARKET GUIDE (By Sally E. Stuart) -- 680 Periodical markets and nearly 330 book markets for Christian writers, includes over 25 Christian theatre publishers. Special topics include contests, grants, Christian literary agents, resources and editorial services. www.stuartmarket.com

DRAMATISTS SOURCEBOOK (Theatre Communications Group) -- More than 1100 opportunities for stage writers from publishers of "American Theatre" magazine. Details script-submission procedures for more than 350 theatres seeking new plays; more than 150 prizes and sections on fellowships and grants, organizations, agents, colonies and residencies, publishing opportunities. www.tcg.org

BUILDING A MINISTRY

LILLENAS PUBLISHING: DRAMA TOPICS SERIES - Collection of over 20 guides for beginning or established ministries, covering uses of drama in worship, scenery design and construction; sound effects and props for Christmas and Easter; developing dinner theatre outreach; playwriting, producing. www.lillenasdrama.com

THE CHRISTIAN DIRECTOR'S NOTEBOOK - Guidelines, information sheets and checklists for pre- and post-show bookkeeping and note-taking. Includes rehearsal notes, contact sheets, media contact outline, rehearsal schedules, props, costumes and make-up outlines. www.church95.com.

CONTEMPORARY DRAMA SERVICE - Sources include series on building scenery, constructing costumes, makeup, mime and dance. www.contemporarydrama.com

COUNTDOWN TO CURTAINUP MANUAL - Recommended procedures for preparing a production. Gives practical advice from selecting scripts, to getting pastoral approval, budgeting, casting, assisting actors in characterization, rehearsals, memorization, and how to stay on top of problems. Includes "Director's Diary" where the director can enter important information for follow-up; Self-Appraisal Form for each actor. www.dramashare.org/countdown.html 1-877-DO-DRAMA (363-7262)

DRAMASHARE ORGANIZATIONAL MANUAL -- Step-by-step information on starting a ministry, organizational issues, job descriptions, forms of drama ministry, acting skills. Includes non-royalty scripts. www.dramashare.org/hardcopy.html