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. The book is targeted at automation operators, production managers, theatre technicians, stage engineering machinery manufacturers and theatre engineering students.

Topics are covered in sufficient 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. The author has worked on many stage automation projects and developed the award-winning Impressario stage automation system.

This is quite a good little book giving the reader a broad understanding of motion control systems and their use in entertainment situations - although the concepts are valid generally. Woodward is an experienced engineer and it shows in his style. It is not overly technical although the basic concepts of the electrical side are well explained to assist the less experienced and in all it is quite a good little primer.