1. "The Oxford Illustrated History of Theatre" by John Russell Brown
   • This comprehensive book provides an overview of the history of theater, covering various cultures and time periods.
2. "Theatre: Its Art and Craft" by Cynthia M. Gendrich and Stephen Archer
   • A guide to the fundamentals of theater, including acting, directing, and production.
3. "The Business of Broadway: An Insider's Guide to Working, Producing, and Investing in the World's Greatest Theatre Community" by Mitch Weiss and Perri Gaffney
   • Explores the business and economic aspects of the Broadway theater scene.
4. "The Empty Space: A Book About the Theatre: Deadly, Holy, Rough, Immediate" by Peter Brook
   • A classic work on the theory and practice of theater, discussing its evolution and the role of the director.
5. "The Future of the Music Business: How to Succeed with the New Digital Technologies" by Steve Gordon
   • While focused on the music industry, this book offers insights into the digital transformation of the performing arts.
6. "Theatre, Performance and the Historical Avant-Garde" edited by Günter Berghaus
   • Explores the historical avant-garde movements and their impact on theater and performance.

1. Theatre Communications Group (TCG) - https://www.tcg.org/
   • TCG is a hub for information about the theater industry, including articles, resources, and job listings.
2. American Theatre Magazine - https://www.americantheatre.org/
   • Offers news, features, and analysis on the theater industry, including profiles of theater professionals.
3. BroadwayWorld - https://www.broadwayworld.com/
   • A popular source for news, reviews, and information related to Broadway and the theater world.
4. Dance Magazine - https://www.dancemagazine.com/
   • Focuses on the dance aspect of performing arts, featuring articles on dance history, choreography, and career advice.
5. The Actors Studio - https://www.actorsstudio.co.uk/
   • Offers online acting classes and resources for actors looking to improve their skills and find employment opportunities.
6. Performing Arts Alliance - https://www.performingartsalliance.org/
   • Advocates for the performing arts and provides valuable resources for artists and professionals in the field.

1. Dance Magazine - https://www.dancemagazine.com/
   • Provides articles, news, and resources related to various dance forms, choreography, and career advice for dancers.
2. DanceUSA - https://www.danceusa.org/
   • A national service organization dedicated to supporting the dance field. Offers valuable resources, research, and networking opportunities.
3. The Joyce Theater - https://www.joyce.org/
   • The official website of The Joyce Theater in New York City, featuring information on performances, auditions, and dance-related events.
4. Pointe Magazine - https://www.pointemagazine.com/
   • Focused on ballet, this website offers articles, interviews, and tips for aspiring ballet dancers.
5. Dance/USA's Jobs in the Arts - https://www.danceusa.org/jobs
   • A dedicated job board for employment opportunities in the dance industry, including auditions, teaching positions, and administrative roles.
6. International Association for Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS) - https://www.iadms.org/
   • Offers research, educational resources, and information on dance medicine and science, helping dancers maintain their health and well-being.

1. "The Secret Life of the American Musical: How Broadway Shows Are Built" by Jack Viertel
   • Offers an insider's look at the structure and creative process behind successful musicals on Broadway.
2. "The Oxford Handbook of the American Musical" edited by Raymond Knapp, Mitchell Morris, and Stacy Wolf
   • A comprehensive reference guide that delves into the history, culture, and future of American musical theater.
3. "Musical Theatre: A History" by John Kenrick
   • Traces the evolution of musical theatre from its origins to contemporary productions, with a focus on key developments and influential figures.
4. "Broadway: An Encyclopedia" by Ken Bloom
   • A comprehensive encyclopedia of all things Broadway, covering shows, actors, composers, and theaters throughout history.
5. "Careers in the Performing Arts: Theater, Music, Dance" by Roy A. Cook and Cindy S. Heller
   • Explores career opportunities within the performing arts industry, including practical advice for aspiring musical theatre professionals.
6. "Musical Theatre Auditions and Casting: A Performer's Guide Viewed from Both Sides of the Audition Table" by Neil R. Brown
   • Provides insights into the audition process and tips for actors seeking roles in musical theatre productions.

1. Broadway.com - https://www.broadway.com/
   • Offers news, ticket information, and features on current Broadway productions, actors, and upcoming shows.
2. American Theatre Wing - https://www.americantheatrewing.org/
   • The official website of the organization behind the Tony Awards. Provides resources, educational programs, and career development opportunities in theatre.
3. Backstage - https://www.backstage.com/
   • A platform for actors and performers to find casting calls, audition information, and career advice, including opportunities in musical theatre.
4. Playbill - https://www.playbill.com/
   • A leading source for theatre news, casting notices, and information on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional theatre productions.
5. Musical Theatre Resources - https://musicaltheatreresources.com/
   • A website dedicated to providing resources, articles, and advice for aspiring and professional musical theatre artists.
6. The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) - https://www.schooltheatre.org/
   • Offers educational and networking opportunities for theatre educators and students interested in musical theatre.

1. "The Backstage Handbook: An Illustrated Almanac of Technical Information" by Paul Carter
   • A must-have reference for stagehands and technicians, covering a wide range of technical theatre topics.
2. "Stage Rigging Handbook" by Jay O. Glerum
   • This book provides a comprehensive guide to stage rigging techniques and safety procedures.
3. "Scene Design and Stage Lighting" by W. Oren Parker, R. Craig Wolf, and Dick Block
   • A classic textbook on scenic design and stage lighting, suitable for both beginners and advanced students.
4. "Sound Reinforcement Handbook" by Gary Davis and Ralph Jones
   • An essential guide to sound reinforcement and audio technology in the theatre.
5. "The Costume Technician's Handbook" by Rosemary Ingham and Liz Covey
   • Covers costume construction, fabric selection, and costume shop management.
6. "The Stage Manager's Toolkit: Templates and Communication Techniques to Guide Your Theatre Production from First Meeting to Final Performance" by Laurie Kincman
   • A practical guide for stage managers, offering templates and tips for successful production management.
7. "Technical Theater for Nontechnical People" by Drew Campbell
   • Geared towards those new to technical theatre, this book provides a user-friendly introduction to the field.
8. "Automation for Theatre: A Technical Theatre Workbook" by Mark A. Shanda
   • Focuses on automation and technology in theatre production, including motorized rigging and control systems.

This can have some links to your chosen specialism.

Topics to consider (at least 3 to pass):

Growth of Mass Media and self-promotion

Funding of arts / education

Covid-19

Advances in Technology  (Automation, Motion-capture, AI)

Project Primrose, The Las Vegas Sphere, Abba Voyage

Diversity and Inclusion (LGBTQ+,  ethnicities, abilities, body types & sizes)

Sustainability & why it is important that the performing arts industry adheres to the demands of sustainable working

Pushing the ‘boundaries’,  and different types of production (e.g. immersive installations)