Ian Appleton's book is an essential guide for those who are involved in the initiation, planning, design and building of facilities for the various performing arts, from local to metropolitan locations. It includes the stages in the development, decisions to be taken, information requirements, feasibility and advice necessary in the design and development of a new or adapted building.

Part one of this guide provides the background information about the organisation of the performing arts, the prevailing issues, the client and various building types.

In the second part, the author deals with the components of design and development, identifying the roles of the client, advisors and consultants, the stages to be achieved, including client's proposal feasibility, the process of briefing, design and building and eventually hand-over and opening night, with a consideration of the building in use. Case studies are included which cover the assessment of demand, site requirements, initial brief, building design and financial viability.

Information requirements, as design standards, for the auditorium and platform/stage, and the support facilities, are included. The content covers a wide range of performing arts (classical music, pop/rock, jazz, musicals, dance, drama) and provides information on each as an art form and the necessities to house performances correctly.