This volume investigates the foundational concepts, influential figures, and critical practices that define the interconnected disciplines of theatre and performance studies. Editors Jen Harvie and Paul Allain, both established scholars in the field, curate a comprehensive reference work that synthesizes historical context with contemporary analysis. By organizing complex theoretical and practical information into an accessible format, the book provides a structured framework for students and researchers to navigate the evolution of performance art and dramatic production.

Experts and educators frequently cite this volume as a foundational reference tool for undergraduate and graduate students entering the field of performance studies. Readers often note the clarity of the entries and the utility of the cross-referencing system in connecting disparate theatrical traditions.