The twentieth century was the great century of change in the theater and this Companion captures the modern dynamism and huge diversity of that vibrant period. Arranged alphabetically and written by 280 contributors from 20 countries, it contains entries international in scope but with a particular emphasis on English-speaking theater. The extensive list of contributors features not only top-level experts but, uniquely, leading professionals from the world of theater. Coverage includes individuals--performers, playwrights, directors, designers, choreographers, composers--theater companies, countries, trends and genres. Entries range from practical topics such as directing, acting, design, lighting, sound and voice to historical surveys on a host of subjects from women in theater and black theater to gay and lesbian theater; from pantomime, photography, experimental theater and theater-in-the-round to architecture, funding, drag and circus; from surrealism and Dada to musical theater, performance art and theater on the Internet. Written authoritatively yet accessibly, the Companion is designed to be the pre-eminent reference work of its kind