DESIGNER and TECHNICIAN/DIRECTOR

In our course textbook Chapter 5 covers the work of designers and technicians and Chapter 5 covers the work of directors. Both chapters offer some excellent explanations of the processes artists in these categories explore but we want to give you a chance at trying some of the creative explorations related to these topics. The intent is to challenge you to think creatively within each of the disciplines of technical theatre and directing. This assignment asks you to experience the work of the designer/technician in the first section and the work of the director in the second section. The entire assignment should be between 2 to 4 pages in length. The entire assignment requires that you read a short play that can be found at: Charity by Lisa Kron http://www.lisakron.org/Lisa-Kron-theWorkOf-10MinutePlays.html BE CERTAIN TO USE THE PLAY Charity as there is another play at the link BUT ONLY USE Charity. You might also find it useful to take a second to Google the playwright, Lisa Kron, and learn about their work and other projects. REVIEW THE COURSE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY IN THE SYLLABUS. This will be submitted via SafeAssign and any document in violation of the policy (having improper or lacking citations, overt similarities to other works, copying, facilitating, improper consultation) will result in the policy being strictly enforced. Section #1- The Designer and Technician We’re asking you to create a conceptual design treatment in which you will address the design elements of a play. Using the assigned short play, you will address your design of the following areas: A. Scenic Design B. Costume Design C. Lighting Design D. Sound Design These areas are covered in detail in Ch. #5 of your text. Write a brief description for each design area of how you would conceive a production of the play. Offer justifications of why you are making the choices you are making. Be creative! Decide if you want to establish a realistic or fantastical production. Be specific about time period and locations you are trying to capture. Allow yourself to imagine some different and original ways you might design the play. Think about what you might want to see if you went to a production of the play but DO NOT dismiss the actual NEEDS required by the play. You can also include a ©JW Morrissette. All Rights Reserved. 2 treatment of the other areas of design such as make-up, special effects and/or masks (if those fit your concept). Remember: • Be creative. Don’t get stuck worrying about being “right”, allow yourself to explore creativity based on the given circumstances of the play. Section #2- The Director Offer a treatment of how you would direct a staged production of the assigned play. You are asked to do so by addressing the following: 1. What do you think the purpose of your production might be? 2. Who do you believe to be the intended audience for your production? 3. What story, moral, or lesson might be shared through your production? 4. Are there any original interpretations you feel would be important to your vision? 5. Offer a description of what type of actors you would cast in the roles in the show. 6. Using the work you did in Section #1 The Designer and Technician and offer a view of how you, as the director, would use the design choices to support your interpretation of the central conflict of the play. 7. Outline a potential rehearsal schedule for your production. How much time would you need to rehearse the play? What types of things might you be doing in those rehearsals? (Consult Ch. 6 of your text, particularly the photo essay, for some ideas of what directors do in rehearsals.)