Scenic Art for the Theatre, 2nd Edition

Chapter 13

The Romantic Theatre and the Modern Theatre: 1800 to the Present

All the trades that make up the theatrical arts— architecture, acting, costuming, designing, directing, painting, writing, and producing—attained new stature and profited from unparalleled popularity during the 19th century. In many ways, it was a golden age of theatre, which became a worldwide phenomenon, achieving a broader social acceptance than ever. Famous actors like Kean and Booth worked the stage and raised the status and popularity of the acting profession. The work of scenic artists reached an apex of public recognition due, in part, to advances in painting techniques and increased demand for stunning visual entertainment.

Technical advances, particularly the ...