Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Pamela On Directing Three The Hard Way: An Exploration Of Theatrical And Communicative Processes., Pamela S. Adolphi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The direction of the play Three the Hard Way by Linda Eisenstein achieved the playwright's intent and the super objective of the play. The application of theatrical and communicative processes facilitated the direction of the desired metacommunicatations associated with the family's dynamics by expressing the struggles and perceptions associated with the family and their relationships. The implementation of the director's prompt book illustrates the use of proxemics in creating picturizations for the stage. In addition, the exploration of the directing process and the progression of the production are examined in daily journal entries. The successes of the directorial approach and …

No Sleep 'Til Minsky's: A One-Man Tribute To Burlesque And Vaudeville., Carl Glenwood Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No Sleep '˜Til Minsky's is a one-man show paying tribute to early 20th century variety entertainment. The writing process began with research into the forms of vaudeville and burlesque, including films of period acts, study of autobiographies and biographies of burlesque performers, and study of historical scripts performed in the time period and stored at the Library of Congress.

The format of the show consists of a one-hour core script in which Lou Drake speaks of his life and career in burlesque. In addition to the core script, the structure is designed to allow more actors to participate in staging …

Sweat: The Exodus From Physical And Mental Enslavement To Emotional And Spiritual Liberation, Aqueelah Roberson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to showcase the importance of God-inspired Theatre and to manifest the transformative effects of living in accordance to the Word of God. In order to share my vision for theatre such as this, I will examine the biblical elements in Zora Neale Hurston's short story Sweat (1926). I will write a stage adaptation of the story, while placing emphasis on the biblical lessons that can be used for God-inspired Theatre. When viewing the stage adaptation based on Sweat, the audience members will understand how God-inspired Theatre aims to help members of society utilize their …

Defining A Character Through Voice Quality: An Analysis Of The Character "George" In Sondheim And Lapine's Sunday In The Park With George Using The Estill Voice Model, Michael Swickard

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the use of the Estill Voice Model, in particular six voice qualities (Speech, Twang, Falsetto, Cry/Sob, Belt and Opera) and their permutations, to define character, character traits and emotions. Traits and emotions that specific voice qualities can influence are, but are not limited to, location, age, background, socioeconomic status, genre, intelligence, nationality, class, culture, gender, promiscuity, disposition, pain and revelations. In particular, this thesis explores the use of voice qualities to show specific human qualities of the character "George" from Sondheim and Lapine's "Sunday in the Park with George" and the people he imitates in his painting …

Discovering My Artistic Voice Through The Stage Adaptation Of Winners Don't Quit, Evelyn Tyler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The writings of this thesis will expose the recent account of an actor's journey while working as a writer, director, & actress. Historical facts, journal entries, personal cast photos, an excerpt of the WDQ script, highlights of the first excerpt premiere of Winners Don't Quit, and so much more are just a few features this thesis uncovers while relating to the actress process as she discovers her artistic voice. Instead of finding an acting opportunity she's created one for herself, and other aspiring artists. The scope of the research was done on a local and national level featuring a collection …

Who Am I?": A Search For America's Identity Through Theatre For Social Change, Sean Bliznik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Theatre has always existed as a didactic tool to educate society about society's own successes, failures, and foibles. The theatre and theatre artists have attempted to take society's interpretation of truth and place it on the stage for all to see and experience. Sometimes, theatre creates and performs its own truth in place of society's accepted truth by re-examining pre-existing societal constructs and creating an interpretation of truth that better represents the current state of affairs as the theatre sees it. Therefore, theatre becomes the mode by which society learns, explores, refutes, and at times, even dismisses accepted societal truths. …

The Design Process As Assistant Art Director For The Film National Lampoon's Robodoc, Cecil Davis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, I will detail and analyze the production design processes for National Lampoon's RoboDoc, written by Douglas Gordon M.D., filmed and produced in Orlando, Universal Studios and Ormond Beach, FL, as experienced through the art department. The direction of the thesis will be based on how a background in architecture and theatre guides the design motivation(s) within a production team for film. My documentation will include a process journal written throughout the production of the film to include design meeting topics, research and design inspiration, sketches, budget and location concerns, coordination of scenic elements, crew team coordination, paperwork, …

The Braggart Soldier: An Archetypal Character Found In "Sunday In The Park With George", Paul Gebb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In preparation for performance, an actor must develop an understanding for the character they portray. A character must be thoroughly researched to adequately enrich the performance of the actor. In preparation for the role of the "Soldier" in the production, Sunday in the Park with George, it is important to examine the evolution of the "Braggart Soldier" archetypal character throughout the historical literary canon. It is also of equal importance to study an author's canon of literature to acknowledge the reoccurring use of similar archetypal characters in order to successfully interpret the intentions of the author. This thesis paper will …

Food For Joyous Laughter: Contemporary Productions Of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates Of Penzance, Julia Winstead

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The operetta, The Pirates of Penzance, is a classic work by Gilbert and Sullivan, a work that continues to be produced frequently despite its Victorian setting and operatic style. For many years the standard performance style of all the operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan was upheld by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, who attempted to perform the operettas as they had originally been done. Though the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company helped stimulate interest in the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, nontraditional productions of G & S operettas produced outside of the company were able to reach larger audiences. When The …

Reflections: A Theatrical Journey Into The Lives Of Adolescent Girls, Leah Page

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adolescence is a difficult time for young women. Their bodies are changing and they are being asked to conform to a new set of feminine standards if they are to be accepted (Pipher 39). Studies have found that girls experience a decrease in self-esteem during this time. They are less likely to speak their minds openly and honestly, which can lead to depression and a feeling of falseness. As young women attempt to comprehend this turbulent time in their lives, they often find strength through positive relationships with others as well as from their own knowledge and self-awareness. Reflections is …

What Is Theatre's Role As A Worship Tool In A Messianic Synagogue?, Jennifer Pedraza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this study, I worked with an ensemble of teenagers from Ayts Chayim Messianic Synagogue in Boca Raton, Florida to develop an original Purim play to be presented for the congregation and the public. I specifically explored "What is theatre's role as a worship tool in a Messianic Jewish Synagogue?" My ultimate goal in this process was to honor God through the creative arts, and I used the process of creating the play to discover the specific ways that theatre can be used as a worship tool, from script development to theatrical presentation. I hypothesized that theatre could be used …

The Belle Of Amherst: Developing A Solo Performance, Janet Sue Raskin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will document the process of rehearsing and performing a one-woman show based on the life of the poet Emily Dickinson. The script is a cutting of the full-length play, The Belle of Amherst, written in 1976 by William Luce. This self-directed project will document the process that all actors use when developing a role. The first part of developing a role includes historical research, character analysis, and script analysis. The second phase is the rehearsal process. This includes developing the physical and vocal qualities of the character and staging the action of the play. Because this performance is …

Not Quite The Ingenue: The Development Of The Middle-Aged Female Character In Musical Theatre, Tara Snyder

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Not Quite the Ingenue: The Development of the Middle-Aged Female Character in Musical Theatre is an exploration of the influences which have defined the function of middle-aged female characters within the musical theatre genre. This author was cast in the role of Arlene MacNalley, a forty-three year old woman, in the University of Central Florida's fall 2006 production of the musical Baby. Preparation for performance of this thesis role required identification of the traits and factors which would be vital for a realistic and relevant portrayal of Arlene. This document provides the reader with a working definition of middle age. …

Revitalizing "The Rocky Horror Show" Through Gospel Music, Kip Taisey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Spring 2007, the University of Central Florida (UCF) Department of Theatre mounted a production of "The Rocky Horror Show." This thesis focuses on the author's process of using the gospel music style to revitalize "The Rocky Horror Show," a cult musical. The author uses defining characteristics of the cult film genre to establish a set of guidelines. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is the movie version of the stage musical and is responsible for the show's inevitable cult status. He discusses the history and journey of "The Rocky Horror Show" and how audience participation was integral in establishing this …

Can A Methodology Be Developed For Musical Theatre Choreography?, Kathleen Kelly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Limited training exists for young, aspiring choreographers who wish to work in the realm of musical theatre. University programs turn you away if your focus is not on concert dance and few good books can be found on library shelves to gain knowledge. Most books that do exist are very outdated and lack the practical knowledge and information necessary to become a successful musical theatre choreographer today. This research will help to determine whether a methodology can be developed for training musical theatre choreographers. The research data collected stems from the creative minds of choreographers and performers. A select group …

Redefining Choreography For The "The Rocky Horror Show" For A New Generation Of Actors, Timothy Ellis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As many veterans of musical theatre strive to keep a stronghold on the traditional form of the art with shows like "Oklahoma," "Show Boat" and "Carousel," we must recognize the life of said art form must also appeal to the mindset of new generations. In 1973, a rock musical began making waves in London's theatrical community. "The Rocky Horror Show" was like nothing anyone had seen before. The show had a plot but was presented like a rock show. The characters paid homage to a youthful faction of society wanting to express its individualism. Musicals continue to explore new avenues …

Design: Feel It, See It, Speak It, Do It..., Sarah Yates

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Description of Project: This project explores the design process for Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (adapted for the stage by Bruce Mason) as performed at Orlando Repertory Theatre in Orlando, Florida. In this exploration, I approach the topics of the design process from conceptual discussions with the design team through closing night. I document this process with a lighting design journal (including thoughts about the design approach, renderings, sketches, research images, rough plots and paperwork.) The project concludes with a self evaluation, completed plots and paperwork, and finished production photos.