Theatre as Human Action is the ideal textbook to introduce students to the various aspects of theatre, especially for those who may have little or no theatergoing experience. Seven diverse plays are described to the reader from the start, and then returned to throughout the book so that students can better understand the concepts being discussed. Both the theoretical and practical aspects of theatre are explored, from the classical definition of theatre to todays most avant-garde theatre activities. Types of plays, the elements of drama, and theatre criticism are presented, as well as detailed descriptions of the different jobs in theatre, such as actor, playwright, director, designer, producer, choreographer, and more. The book concludes with a look at where and how theatre is evolving in America and the latest changes and innovations today.

This fourth edition has been greatly expanded and updated, including:

The introduction of four new playsSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street;Fences;Angels in America; andHadestownin addition toMacbeth,You Cant Take It With You, andHamiltonA discussion of the rise of social media in raising awareness and replacing traditional review outletsAn entirely new, enhanced section on diversity and inclusion in theatreAn updated selection of playwrights featured, including Terrence McNally, Lynn Nottage, Tony Kushner, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, to better reflect the diversity of those writing for the theatre today.

Featuring full-color photographs, updated discussion questions, new topics for further research, and potential creative projects, the fourth edition ofTheatre as Human Actionis an invaluable resource to introduce students to the world of theatre.

Thomas S. Hischakis an internationally recognized writer and teacher in the performing arts. He is the author of twenty-six nonfiction books about theatre, film, and popular music, includingTheatre as Human Action: An Introduction to Theatre Arts,The Oxford Companion to the American Musical,The Encyclopedia of Film Composers,The 100 Greatest American Plays,1939: Hollywoods Greatest Year,100 Greatest American and British Animated Films, andThe Disney Song Encyclopedia (with Mark A. Robinson).

Mark A. Robinson is the author ofThe World of Musicals,Sitcommentary: Television Comedies that Changed America,The Encyclopedia of Television Theme Songs, Musical Misfires: Three Decades of Broadway Musical Heartbreak, andThe Disney Song Encyclopedia(with Thomas S. Hischak). He has taught high school theatre and writing and regularly directs youth and professional theatre productions. Robinson has been a featured writer for several theatre websites, including BroadwayDirect.com, ShowTickets.com, and playbill.com, and has written pieces for The Library of Congress, Lincoln Center,Sorbet Magazine, and Broadway Records.