May 1, 2024
Updated May 10, 2025
20 minute read
Live performance is the art of entertaining an audience in person. It encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, from theatrical plays and musical concerts to dance recitals, stand-up comedy, magic shows, and even corporate presentations. Unlike recorded media, live performances are ephemeral, existing only in the moment they are created, fostering a unique connection between performers and their audience. The immediacy and unrepeatable nature of each show offer an electrifying experience for attendees, while the direct audience feedback provides an unparalleled thrill for those on stage. For individuals drawn to creative expression, collaborative energy, and the excitement of real-time interaction, a path in live performance can be deeply engaging and rewarding.
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Find a path to becoming a Live Performance. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/u6xd4m/live
Reading list
We've selected 49 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Live Performance.
Is considered an industry bible, providing a comprehensive overview of the music business. It is essential for gaining a broad understanding of the financial, legal, and structural aspects that underpin live performance in the music industry. It's a valuable reference tool for anyone involved in the business of live music, from artists to managers and promoters.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the live music industry, covering the roles of key players, business deals, and the practicalities of organizing concerts and festivals. It is particularly useful for those interested in the business side of live performance and offers valuable insights for aspiring musicians and industry professionals. The book includes updated information relevant to the contemporary music industry.
This seminal work in performance studies provides a theoretical framework for understanding live performance. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the academic study of this field.
Focusing on the modern DIY musician, this book offers practical strategies for building a career, including leveraging live performance. It's highly relevant for artists looking to understand how live shows fit into a broader business plan and is often used as a textbook in music business programs. The latest edition provides up-to-date information on current trends.
Considered a classic in the field, this handbook is an essential technical reference for live sound engineers. It covers the principles of sound reinforcement, system design, and the practical applications of audio theory. While technical, it provides a solid foundation for understanding the audio aspects of live performance and is often used as a textbook.
Provides a comprehensive overview of live performance, covering history, theory, and practice. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this art form.
This comprehensive handbook offers a wide-ranging overview of theatre, including live performance. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this art form.
This collection of essays offers a wide-ranging overview of live performance, from its history and theory to its contemporary practice. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this art form.
Serves as an excellent introduction to the principles and practices of live sound reinforcement. It covers fundamental concepts in acoustics and the operation of sound system components in an accessible manner. It's a valuable resource for beginners and those looking to build a solid foundation in live audio.
Offers a practical, hands-on approach to mixing live sound, drawing on the author's extensive experience. It covers essential details for working a live show and useful reference for aspiring and working live sound engineers.
Offers a comprehensive look at the art and practice of stage lighting design, drawing on the author's extensive experience. It covers both the artistic and technical aspects, making it valuable for students and professionals in theater and live event production. It provides a historical context while also addressing the practicalities of contemporary lighting.
Focusing specifically on concert lighting, this book delves into the techniques, artistic considerations, and business aspects of lighting design for live shows. It's a valuable resource for those specializing in the visual elements of live performance and provides both foundational and in-depth knowledge.
A highly influential and classic book on theater, 'The Empty Space' explores the fundamental elements of live performance and the relationship between performer and audience. It philosophical and practical guide for theater-makers and provides timeless insights into creating compelling live experiences.
A practical handbook for live sound engineers, covering the essential knowledge and techniques for operating sound systems in various live performance settings. It's a valuable resource for those working directly with live audio.
This collection of essays offers a critical analysis of the relationship between performance and representation. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the role of live performance in contemporary society.
Is specifically tailored to the unique aspects of performing electronic music in a live setting. It covers conceptual approaches, tools, and techniques relevant to electronic musicians and DJs, aligning with some of the provided course topics. It's a valuable resource for those looking to understand the technical and creative considerations of this specific live performance genre.
A foundational text in the field of performance studies, this book provides a broad overview of performance as a cultural and social phenomenon. It explores various forms of performance, from theater and ritual to everyday life. This is essential reading for gaining a theoretical understanding of live performance beyond its technical aspects.
A practical introduction to stage lighting design, this book covers the essential knowledge needed by designers and electricians. It includes exercises and examples of lighting designs, making it a useful guide for developing practical skills. The revised edition incorporates recent advancements in lighting technology.
This recent publication focuses on the creative and entrepreneurial aspects of concert production, including dramaturgy and project development. It's relevant for those interested in the artistic and organizational side of creating live performance events beyond just the technical execution.
A practical guide for aspiring and experienced DJs, this book covers essential DJing skills, techniques, and strategies for performing live. It offers a step-by-step approach to improving DJ sets and building a successful DJ career.
Focuses on the practicalities of touring for musicians, treating a band as a small business. It covers booking shows and managing the logistics of being on the road, which crucial aspect of live performance for many artists.
Provides a practical guide to the art of music performance, with a specific focus on live performance. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to develop their skills as a musician.
Provides a practical guide to the art of dance performance, with a specific focus on live performance. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to develop their skills as a dancer.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/u6xd4m/live
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