The Alchemy of Astonishment: Engaging the Power of Theatre by Will Weigler and published by the University of Victoria is the winner of the 2017 Distinguished Book Award from the American Alliance for Theatre & Education. Book design by Kit Maloney.

Based in Washington DC, the American Alliance for Theatre & Education serves and inspires a growing collective of theatre artists, educators, and scholars committed to transforming young people and communities through the theatre arts.

The Distinguished Book Award honors an author and publisher for the outstanding book relating to any aspect of the field published during the past calendar year (January through December).

The book is one in which the scholarship or resources of the field is enhanced by its publication. Criteria may include, but are not limited to, logic and consistency of organization, thoroughness of topic coverage, writing style, philosophy and approach; and appropriateness for intended audience.