Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 2024 - 38

BOOK REVIEWS ERIKA GUAY, EDITOR
AutoCAD for Theatrical Drafting: A
Resource for Designers and Technical
Directors
By John Keisling
Routledge, 2021, 180 pages
Hardcover $112, Paperback $34.95,
eBook $34.95
Review by Bridgette Dennett
John Keisling's AutoCAD for Theatrical
Drafting is a valuable resource for
both designers and technicians who use
AutoCAD for theatrical drafting. With
a focus on the application of AutoCAD
software in creating CAD drawings, this
book offers a detailed exploration of
how to use this software to create professional-quality
drafting work for theatre
productions. Keisling's expertise
in both AutoCAD and theatre design
shines through in this well-structured
and highly informative guide.
One of the standout features of this
book is that it's accessible to new users
as well as technicians who have used
AutoCAD for many years. The book begins
with a solid foundation in AutoCAD
fundamentals, walking through such basics
as setting up your workspace and
setting line weights. It covers topics
such as creating and managing drawing
files and navigating the AutoCAD
interface, and provides an overview of
commonly used commands. These initial
chapters serve as a strong primer
for readers looking to develop their AutoCAD
skills. The one note to consider
is that this book is strongly focused on
growing your use of technology rather
than learning theatrical drafting conventions;
readers should have an understanding
of basic drafting practices
when using this text.
Throughout the book, Keisling
demonstrates his deep understanding
of AutoCAD's capabilities and limitations
in the context of theatrical drafting.
He covers advanced topics such
as 3D modeling, rendering, and the
integration of AutoCAD with other design
software, offering readers a comprehensive
view of how these tools can
enhance their workflow. Additionally,
he addresses common challenges and
provides troubleshooting guidance, ensuring
that readers are well-equipped to
tackle complex drafting projects.
Structurally, the book builds in a
clear and intentional manner. Keisling
walks through every step in the process
with an educator's skill; each section
builds succinctly upon the one preceding
it. This makes his information easy
to navigate as a reference manual.
Since first reading it, I've used this book
as a resource to show information to
students. Every time, it's been easy to
find what I need quickly and efficiently.
Keisling's writing style is engaging
and approachable. He presents technical
information in an orderly manner,
avoiding unnecessary jargon and providing
practical insights. This approach
to writing is precious from a pedagogical
standpoint. The strength of the book
is that it could easily be handed to a new
designer to help them understand how
to use the AutoCAD software to create
designs. And as it doesn't preach a particular
style of drafting, it would complement
a university course well.
The book is a useful read for theatre
designers, technicians, and students
seeking to elevate their drafting
skills. It effectively combines AutoCAD
fundamentals with theatre-specific applications,
providing a well-rounded and
38 | THEATRE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY | ISSUE 1, 2024
practical guide. With its accessible writing
style and straightforward flow, this
book equips readers with the knowledge
and confidence to use AutoCAD
as a tool to communicate designs and
construction drawings. Whether you're
a newcomer or a seasoned professional,
this book is an indispensable tool for
mastering the world of AutoCAD.
Bridgette Dennett is an assistant professor
of theatre at the University of Mary
Washington and a freelance scenic designer
and charge artist. Dedicated to
service in the field, Dennett currently
acts as vice chair for the Guild of Scenic
Artists and as a co-commissioner of scenic
design for USITT. She received her
BA in scenic and costume design from
The University of South Florida and an
MFA in scenic design from Indiana University.
Reach her at bdennett@scenicguild.org.
Costume
Design for Performance
By Bettina John
Crowood Press, 2021, 192 pages
Paperback $31.45; eBook $24.53
Review by Heidi Ortega
Bettina John has created a solid textbook
on costume design. She has an
experimental style and approach that
makes for a book with a broad base of
interests, all housed securely within the
Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 2024
