This text is a comprehensive reference to all aspects of theatre planning and construction and a history of theatre design from ancient times to the present. Drawing on examples from Greek and Roman models to Renaissance and baroque theatres to contemporary buildings around the world, it discusses such requirements as structural systems, seating, acoustics and visual volume in detail, considering the optimum conditions for both musical and dramatic performance. This edition includes, as an appendix, a new set of drawings, in addition to the original 900 illustrations.