Theater

• Start where you are. Think about topics that might be of interest to you. What do you already know? What would you like to know? What class papers or discussion caught your attention? Skim over your reading list or textbook for ideas.
   
• Search for relevant current events.
   
• Look for trade magazine articles in your area of interest.

Gather background information on your topic to help you:

• Focus your topic
• Hone your search
• Define specific terms and phrases
• Identify the big players or experts in the field

Encyclopedias, Biographies, or Handbooks are all excellent places to find more background information.