Theatre, Brief emphasizes that theatre is a reflection of ourselves, because at the core of any great art is a commentary on the human experience. Theatre is not merely entertainment, but a way for people to connect with one another and express important ideas about our culture and society. Through coverage of design, acting, and directing, students are given a behind-the-scenes look at professional theatre artists performing their craft. Theatre, Brief immerses its readers in the world of professional theatre, giving them in-depth descriptions of many job functions and various aspects of a play's production from beginning to end. Students will enjoy the "Why Study" Spotlight and sidebar features that connect the chapter topics to future careers.