Tessa Bridal has over 30 years of experience working with museums, and as a consultant nationally and internationally, and received theAmerican Association of Museums’Education Committee Award for Excellence in Practice, given to individuals who have greatly influenced the work of the museum education field. She is the author of a prize winning novel, a contributor to several anthologies, has served as editor of newsletters and museum publications, and of the non-fiction book Exploring Museum Theatre, also published by Alta Mira Press. She can be contacted at tessa.bridal@icloud.net.

• IntroductionList of IllustrationsList of AbbreviationsAcknowledgementsThe MuseumsChapter 1Designing an exhibit and a program space simultaneouslyRetrofitting and Adding Interpretation to Existing ExhibitsNo Program SpaceChallenges and Benefits of collaborative exhibit design/fabrication and interpretation/program developmentCommunicationOrganizationSpaceDead spaceLocationConnection to exhibitSound and activity from adjacent exhibitsStorageTechnical needsVisitor comfortAddress the needs of an audience to see, hear, and focusDiscuss the various styles of interpretation best suited to the goals of your exhibitResultsChapter 2MascotsExhibit host/greeterToursGuest presentersObject cartsFacilitated programsDemonstrations/presentationsCharacter appearancesStorytellingCreative dramaticsLiving historyMuseum theatreChapter 3Program developmentExpectations of programs and those who present themWho presentsWho are our interpreters and what do we call them?Selecting presentersTraining/coachingWhy hire live interpreters when electronic means are available?ScriptsIn closing…Appendix AAppendix BAppendix CAppendix DAppendix EAppendix FAppendix GAppendix HAppendix IResources

Tessa Bridal coalesces her vast knowledge of museum theatre expertise making Effective Exhibit Interpretation and Design a mandatory, useful and educational “how to handbook” for both novices and pros. This book is also packed with other museum theatre professionals' programming ideas for creating memorable and meaningful visitor experiences.