Through step-by-step instructions, this book aims to help theatre companies to explore a wide range of special effects and to learn how to use them effectively and safely. The book describes lighting, sound, scenic effects, costume, fast changes, transformations, projection, make-up, properties, pyrotechnics, weather effects, fire, smoke and water, as well as historical and futuristic settings. A wide range of possibilities are explained, so that groups should be able to give a professional lift to their productions without going over budget.