Stage Automation is a new book written by Anton Woodward. 

The book was written in response to the numerous emails that the author receives from students who have chosen to write a paper on stage automation for their studies only to discover that no book exists for them to read. It is believed that this is the first book published in the UK on the subject; but will probably not be the last.

Stage Automation is published by Entertainment Technology Press and is available from them at www.etbooks.co.uk. 

ETP Book Ref: 1061     ISBN 13: 9781904031567     ISBN 10: 1904031560     Price £11.95

The purpose of this book is to explain the stage automation techniques used in modern theatre to achieve some of the spectacular visual effects seen in recent years. This book is targeted at automation operators, production managers, theatre technicians, stage engineering machinery manufacturers and theatre engineering students. It is not intended to be an exhaustive reference work detailing the minute detail of motion control, more an overview of how the various disciplines combine to produce a stage automation system.

The various topics are covered in enough detail to provide an insight into the thought processes that the stage automation engineer has to consider when designing a control system to control stage machinery in a modern theatre. These topics include motor selection, determining the level of control complexity, safety requirements, artistic requirements, electrical standards and a host of other considerations.