Noted as one of the most comprehensive, authoritative surveys of the theatre in academia, THE ESSENTIAL THEATRE, 11th Edition, engages your students and gets them excited about theatre. Drawing from the expertise of the authors as dedicated teachers, published scholars, and practicing artists, this text is ideal for an introductory theatre course. It's vibrant and numerous representations of current and classic performances encourage students to become active theatergoers and fans. The Eleventh Edition includes an all-new chapter devoted to musical theatre, while the thoroughly revised chapter on acting covers the diversity of contemporary approaches. The text also includes numerous new photos, new "Then and Now" boxes, and expanded use of dates to provide context for artists' major works. In addition, a companion anthology, PLAYS FOR THE THEATRE, 11th Edition, contains scripts that serve as a foundation for discussion of the various types of theatrical experience explored in the text.