From the Page to the Stage: An Introduction to Theatre provides students with a comprehensive exploration of the critical elements involved in the creation of live theatre.

In Unit I, students enter the theatre as audience members. They learn about the different types of theatres and stages they may encounter, the unwritten contract that exists between actors and audience members during a performance, and how to become an informed theatre critic. Part II focuses on the two most widely studied theatre artists: the playwright and the actor. These chapters discuss the origin of scripted theatre, how it has evolved over time, and the various forms, styles, and genres of theatre. Students read about the roles and responsibilities of playwrights, how actors create their characters, and influential men and women in the history of acting.

Unit III examines the theatre artists who combine forces to make a play a fully realized production, including set, costume, lighting, sound, makeup, and property designers. Students learn how directors unify the script, cast, and various design elements into one complete work of art, and how managers, publicists, producers, and choreographers contribute to the success of a production. The final unit explores the history and theatrical practices of non-Western drama, as well as various types of religious theatre.