Theatre Design & Technology - Winter 2013 - 83

USITT Presents the Designs of

on your mother's face when she asks you, "Why are
you going into the theatre?" For this reader, Riha's
collection of interviews was a breath of fresh air; I
found them inspiring and encouraging.
"This book is about a life and work and family and love all at the same time. The work
is clearly monumental, and that part of it we were together on is very near the heart of
my life in the theatre and movies. Mostly we were happy, and that tells a lot."
Mike Nichols - Producer/Director n

Wider scope needed
I would love to see another volume of this book
published to include a wider scope of designers,
both in area of specialty and geographical location.
Riha explains his reasoning for focusing primarily
on Broadway. It is "the most recognized and scrutinized theatre community in the world," he says. This
may be true, but I would like to humbly suggest that
such a standard might be a matter of perception. It
would have been insightful to hear from some designers who chose to base their careers in other parts
of the world, as well as those who work in different
mediums. Although I was pleased to see that those interviewed came from a wide variety of backgrounds,
they are a fairly homogenous group when it comes
to profession. I was surprised to see that there were
no costume designers on the roster, let alone any
individuals who specialize in props or sound. Riha
doesn't discuss his reasoning for excluding these
disciplines, and I would be curious to know whether
this decision was intentional or simply logistical.
These minor criticisms aside, I believe that
the mark of a truly good book is that the reader is
left with a desire to share what she has read. Once
I finished Starting Your Career as a Theatrical
Designer, I immediately earmarked several pages
and passed it along to a friend. I would recommend this book to anyone. Despite the specificity
of the subject matter, the contents are so thoughtfully presented that the underlying message will
resonate with any person seeking to be inspired.
As Riha states in closing, "It is my hope that the
stories contained in this book stand as examples
that your dreams can take you wherever you want
to go. This is the reality." As a result of my own
experiences and choices I tend to agree with him:
we all have within us the ability to create our own
reality. If you have ever struggled with the validity of
your aspirations, pick up a copy. I hope it bolsters
your resolve as it did mine.

"Tony's skill in, sheer love for, and mastery of all areas of the theatre resonate
throughout these pages. I eagerly look forward to working with him, knowing he will
make the story we are telling richer and more meaningful because of his massively
intelligent and impassioned contribution to the project."
William Ivey Long - Costume Designer n
"It is thrilling! Wisdom, humor, anecdotes, family, and so many gorgeous designs. If
you thought you knew his genius, wait till you get this book.
Jules Fisher - Lighting Designer/Producer n

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$30.00 non-members

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"Each production carries a host of wonderful memories for me-and my favorite
projects and productions all were designed by him."
Joe Forbes - Scenic Art Studios n
"It's the story of a great love affair, the passion of a man for his work. To Tony
Walton's great good fortune, the work has loved him back."
Marjorie Bradley Kellogg - Scenic Designer

Elizabeth Smith, the winner of the 2012
Kennedy Center American College Theatre
Festival Allied Design and Technologies Award
for Region I, is a props designer in Moriches, NY.

w i n t e r 2013

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