About the Book:

Zen and the Art of Stage Management is "a philosophical and practical companion to the alchemy of stage management." The book covers stage management in depth, from apprenticing, an analysis of a script from a stage manager's point of view, health and safety, tech week, running shows, and the union relationship, to actors, of whom veteran stage manager David Baughan writes: "We as stage managers are there to support them and offer encouragement to them, as we do for directors and other members of the production team."

Zen and the Art of Stage Management was written mainly for aspiring and established professional stage managers, with the Zen aspect part of the picture because David Baughan wanted to pass on his life's learning and experiences in theatre from the perspective that has worked for him. To him, the stage manager is a form of Zen warrior. In the design and artwork, award-winning cartoonist and graphic artist, Dirk van Stralen runs with the playfulness and spaciousness that the Zen side of things contributes to the book. He has created several cartoons to illustrate the sections of the book. The special place that theatre has in Baughan's life comes through clearly. "Chi is that life force I see and feel in the theatrical productions that I am a part of," he writes. "That same life force makes the trees grow, the fish swim and the birds fly. During the show, I see sound, I taste light, I hear feelings. They became one great sensation floating in a continuous stream."

The appendixes ("Talkback") in Zen and the Art of Stage Management feature such paperwork as a résumé, contact sheet, rehearsal report and running sheet; a pages-long list of Canadian, US and UK theatre institutions; extracts of real scripts; and other information.

What people say:

"David has translated his passion for the performing arts into a wonderful, articulate resource." — Robert Pel, stage manager for 35 years and guest lecturer at Ryerson University for 21 years

"After 40 years of professional theatre, thinking I knew all the ropes, I was drawn in, held captive, and enlightened by the bevy of absolutely spot-on tidbits." — Nicola Cavendish, multi-award-winning actor, playwright and director

"A comprehensive overview of stage-management skills and technique ... David's experienced insights on how to successfully navigate the big and small challenges in your career will be useful to new and veteran stage managers alike." — Allan Teichman; his extensive experience as a stage manager includes 32 seasons with the Shaw Festival

About the Author:

David Baughan has worked as theatre stage manager, lighting designer, and photographer across Canada, as well as in Britain and parts of Europe. He has stage-managed his way from small road tours in Ontario through to over 40 productions at the Chemainus Theatre on Vancouver Island, BC. Before moving to Canada from London in 1995, his work in the arts included many years as photographer for the Royal Ballet in London and as a Stills Photographer for several films.