Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Death Of A Salesman: Nostalgia Refracted Through The Language Of Light, Abbey Lynn Smith

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The purpose of this thesis is to provide an in-depth look at the design process for the Nebraska Repertory Theater’s production of Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, which performed in November 2022. This process includes research that facilitated early design conversations, documentation that relayed information necessary for implementation, and additional materials typically used as reference for a lighting designer. This thesis includes research images, hand-drawn renderings, previsualization, light plots, lighting paperwork, and production photos of the final product.

Death Of A Salesman: A Treatise On Technical Direction Practices, Stephanie Schlosser

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Nebraska Repertory Theatre, in partnership with the Johnny Carson School of Theatre, Film, and Emerging Media Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, chose to produce Death of a Salesman, directed by Jacqueline Thompson, for the second show of their 2022-2023 season. Death of a Salesman was produced on the Howell Stage, a 300-seat proscenium theatre located in the Temple building on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. The graduate faculty assigned the role of Technical Director to me in May 2022. As technical director I was responsible for budgeting materials and labor, drafting and engineering scenery, managing personnel, maintaining …

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’S The Marriage Of Figaro, Camille Lerner

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Marriage of Figaro is generally considered to the world’s most popular operas, selling out across the world. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the school of music decided to tackle the monstrous task of putting on this production, and by collaborating with the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, brought in a design team that could meet the expectations, requirements, and demands of this monumental production. By working closely with collaborators, the university was able to, rather smoothly, create a moving performance that will be remembered by many.

Advisor: Jamie Bullins

Arthur Miller: Death Of A Salesman, Paige Moeller

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

In this thesis our rendition of Death of a Salesman turns the story by presenting it in the eyes of an African-American working man. With the influence of the infamous Arthur Miller, my take on this classic tale will demonstrate the maturity and elegance that I could manufacture during the intense process. The show had a surplus of challenges, one of the biggest being the content of the script itself with our contrasting vision, as well as sudden directorial shifts and character additions. This thesis will cover the entire process from initial designs, communication, tech process, and more. The complexity …

Stop Kiss: A Scenic Design, Taylor Walters-Riggsbee

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The purpose of this thesis is to document the design processes of the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s production of Stop Kiss by Diana Son, produced March 1-9, 2023, in partnership with the Nebraska Repertory Theatre. Documented is a complete representation of a scenic design process including discussion of practices and design methodologies, research plates, supporting analytical paperwork, preliminary sketches, digital renderings, and 1/4” scale model photos, a full set of drafting, painter’s elevations and a corresponding props and dressing list. Performance photos follow as an archive of the production process and performance photos.

Advisor: Joshua David Madsen

Le Nozze Di Figaro (The Marriage Of Figaro), K. 492: Lighting The Mad Day, Francisco Hermosillo Iii

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis describes the production process of the lighting design for the opera, The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492, byWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which was produced by the Glenn Korf School of Music and performed in Kimball Recital Hall on November 11 and 13, 2022. The opera was directed by Dr. William Shomos and conducted by Dr. Tyler White, with scenic design by JD Madsen, costume design by Camille Lerner, technical direction provided by Jason Hibbard, and the head electrician was Obadiah Harvey.

This thesis documents the entire lighting design process including the production meetings, research, conceptual ideas, technical rehearsals, …

Dontrell, Who Kissed The Sea: An Exploration Of Scenic Design Process, Emma Laine Hoffbauer

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The purpose of this thesis is to provide research, supporting paperwork, production photographs, and other pertinent materials which document the scenic design for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln/Nebraska Repertory Theatre production of Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea by Nathan Alan Davis. This thesis contains the following: research images collected to develop and communicate ideas regarding location, shape, texture, scale, mood, and historical and architectural reference to the production team; preliminary sketches and digital renderings, and photographs of the 1⁄4” scale model; a full set of drafting plates and painter’s elevations used to communicate finished appearance of each scenic element, a list …

Dontrell, Who Kissed The Sea: An Expedition Into Technical Direction, Joseph J. Shelly Jr

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Nebraska Repertory Theatre, in partnership with the Johnny Carson School of Theater, Film, and Emerging Media Arts at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, chose to produce Dontrell, Who Kissed the Sea in March of 2021. Playwright Nathan Alan Davis completed the play in 2017. He is originally from Rockford, Illinois, and a graduate of Indiana University. Dontrell was his second produced play, premiering in June 2014 at the Source Festival in Washington, DC. Several theatres since 2014 have produced the play, and ours was the third show of the 2021-2022 season. The director was Ron Himes, the Founder …

Properties Design And Construction For William Shakespeare’S: A Midsummer Night’S Dream, Nathan Alexander

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

In the fall of 2021, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln put on a production of A Midsummer night’s dream. I am Nathan Alexander and I designed and built the properties used in the show. This thesis will discuss my design process as well as my construction process throughout this production. My writing serves as a reference to the collaborative process of theatre, and you will find as you read on that a large amount of my designs did not make it into the final production. This did not discourage me, instead it motivated me to discover what this show wanted to …

A Midsummer Night’S Dream – A Scenic Design, Grace Trudeau

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The purpose of this thesis is to provide research, supporting paperwork, production photographs, and other materials which document the scenic design for the Nebraska Repertory Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. This thesis contains the following: research images indicating thematic ideas for Athens and the Forest, weather patterns for Athens and Woodland, environmental textures and colors, shapes, and forms; preliminary sketches and photographs of the ¼” scale model; a full set of drafting plates and paint samples, a set dressing reference book; paperwork generated during the rehearsal process; and additional information. Archival production photographs are available …

Bright Star - A Scenic Design, Marty Wolff

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The purpose of this thesis is to provide research, supporting paperwork, production photographs, and other materials that document the scenic design for Midland University’s production of the 2014 musical Bright Star, written and composed by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. This thesis contains the following: the effects of COVID 19 on the production selection process; a conceptual analysis, scenic breakdown, charting and diagrams to organize the show, preliminary modeling and plotting imagery; research images of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachia, mountain cabins from the early 1900s, and various rustic landscapes; an examination of the design evolution from conception to …

The Glass Menagerie: Lighting Design Analysis And Reflection, Adam Jezl-Sikorski

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Nebraska Repertory Theatre, in partnership with the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, designated Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie as its second production for the 2019-2020 season. The production began previews on Wednesday, November 06, opened Friday, November 08, and ended their run on Sunday, November 17, 2019. As the lighting designer for this production, it was my responsibility to provide the master electrician with the plans and paperwork necessary to physically realize my artist vision. This included a drawn-to-scale light plot, channel hookup, and instrument schedule denoting the placement of lighting equipment …

The Legend Of Georgia Mcbride: Change In Light Of Passion, Bryce Bassett

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis describes the research and production processes of the lighting design for the play, The Legend of Georgia McBride by Matthew Lopez, performed in the Johnny Carson Theatre at the Lied Center for Performing Arts from October 2^nd through October 13^th, 2019. The play was directed by guest artist Steve Scott with scenic design by Marty Wolff, costumes by Rebecca Armstrong, sound design by Jeff O’Brien, technical direction provided by Austin Elledge, and master electrician Joshua Mullady.

This thesis contains the entire lighting process including the initial meetings, research, conceptualization, technical rehearsals, critical response, paperwork, and …

Designing A Miracle For David Javerbaum's An Act Of God, Haley Williams

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis describes the pre-production, production and post-production processes for the Mainstage production of the play An Act of God by David Javerbaum, adapted from Javerbaum’s The Last Testament: A Memoir By God, performed at the Lied Center’s Johnny Carson Black Box Theatre on September 26 thru October 14. Directed by Michael Mendelson, the production was a collaborative effort with Haley Mackenzie Williams serving as Costume, Hair and Make-up Designer, Jill Hibbard as Scenic Designer, Jamie Mancuso as Lighting Designer, Daniel d’Egnuff as Technical Designer and Emily Callahan as Sound Designer.

Advisor: Jamie Bullins

Costume Design And Execution Of The Nebraska Repertory Theatre's Mother Courage And Her Children By Bertolt Brecht, Translated By Dr. William Grange, Adapted By Andy Park., Heather Mae Striebel

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The information, documentation and analysis found within this thesis highlights the design and execution of The Nebraska Repertory Theatre’s fall production of Mother Courage. This production was originally written by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Dr. William Grange of The University of Nebraska – Lincoln and then adapted by The Nebraska Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director Andy Park. Mother Courage was a part of the 2018-2019 Nebraska Repertory Theatre’s 50^thanniversary season and was performed in the Howell Theatre located within the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film. Information found within this thesis showcases the research, production, development, design …

An Act Of God:Let There Be Light, Jaime Mancuso

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis describes the research and production processes of the lighting design for the play An Act of God by David Javerbaum performed in the Johnny Carson Theater at the Lied Center for Performing Arts from September 28^th through October 14^th 2018. The play was directed by guest artist Michael Mendelson with scenic design by Jill Hibbard, costume design by Haley Williams, lighting design by Jaime Mancuso, sound design by Emily Callahan, projection design by Greyson McCown technical direction by Daniel d’Egnuff, and master electrician Adam Sikorski.

This thesis documents the lighting design process for An Act of …

Technical Direction Of Mother Courage And Her Children, Michael Strickland

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, in conjunction with the Nebraska Repertory Theatre, produced Mother Courage and Her Children as the second show of the 2018-2019 season, directed by Andy Park in Howell Theater. I served as technical director for this production, whose task was engineering and the constructing the scenic design. My specific responsibilities included the budgeting of scene shop resources, creating and effectively communicating engineering drawings, outlining a clear objective-based schedule, overseeing the construction process, maintaining a safe working environment, installing and removing all scenery from the performance space, and training of back stage personnel for …

An Act Of God: A Technical Direction Analysis, Daniel D'Egnuff

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Nebraska Repertory Theatre in partnership with the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln selected An Act of God to open its 50^th Season during the 2018-2019 school year. Artistic Director Andy Park chose 2^nd year graduate student Jill Hibbard as the production’s scenic designer. The show opened in the Johnny Carson Studio Theatre which is located in the Lied Center on September 26, 2018 and closed on October 14 after 14 performances. Graduate faculty named me technical director for this production, to fulfil the duties commonly associated with this position. The …

Lord Of The Flies - A Scenic Design, Lisa Haldeman

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The purpose of this thesis is to provide research, supporting paperwork, production photographs, and other materials that document the scenic design for the co-production between the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film and the Nebraska Repertory Theatre titled Lord of the Flies. This thesis contains the following: research images collected to develop and communicate ideas about location, shapes, forms, texture, scale, mood, and historical reference to the production team; preliminary sketches and photographs of the 1/4” scale model, visual tools used to convey the ideas of the scenic design; a full set of drafting plates, 1:1 paint samples and …

Avenue Q: An Endeavor In Technical Direction, Brendan Greene-Walsh

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska began its spring semester of the 2017-2018 season with a production of Avenue Q. Director Andy Park staged this production in the Johnny Carson Studio at the Lied Center on the University of Nebraska campus. My role in the production was that of technical director. The responsibilities of the technical director include budgeting of departmental resources, money and labor, engineering and construction of all scenic elements, maintaining a safe working environment, creating and adhering to a timely build schedule, maintaining the designer’s aesthetic vision throughout, the …

A Scenic Design For Avenue Q, Jessica Thompson

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis describes the research, production process, and execution of the scenic design for the musical Avenue Q with music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, and book by Jeff Whitty. Presented in the Johnny Carson Theatre from March 2-16, 2018 at the University of Nebraska. The Avenue Q production team consisted of:

Andy Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Director

Jessica Thompson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …

A Fuddy Thesis: Directing David Lindsay-Abaire's Fuddy Meers, Dustin M. Mosko

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis contains the written documentation of the process of directing a theatrical production of Fuddy Meers by David Lindsay-Abaire, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master of Fine Arts in Directing for Stage and Screen at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Topics addressed include play selection, script analysis, concept development, casting, production & rehearsal processes, director's reflection, and critical responses of the production.

Advisor: Virginia Smith

Rapture. Redemption. Religion. Retail. Directing Samuel D. Hunter’S, A Bright New Boise, Chadwick R. Taylor

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis contains the written documentation of the process of directing a theatrical production of A Bright New Boise by Samuel D. Hunter, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Masters of Fine Arts in Directing for Stage and Screen at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Topics addressed include play selection, background of the play and author, script analysis, concept development, casting, production and rehearsal process, director’s reflection, and critical responses and self-evaluation.

Advisor: Ian Borden

Hamlet: An Illuminating Look At Tragedy, Maxx Finn

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis describes the research and production process of the lighting design of Hamlet, adapted by Wesley Broulik, performed in Howell Theatre, from November 17 through December 4 at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska. Hamlet was directed by Wesley Broulik. Maxx Finn acted as the production’s lighting designer, Kaitlyn Peterson designed the set, Haley Williams designed the costumes, Emily Callahan designed the sound, Andrea Besch acted as the properties master, and Travis Smith was the acting technical director.

This thesis contains the entire lighting design process for Hamlet, including initial meetings, conceptualization, …

Dancing At Lughnasa: A Project In Technical Direction, Gregory R. Rishoi

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film opened it′s 2015-2016 Main Stage season with a production of Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel in the Studio Theatre on October 8, 2015. This thesis project encompasses the Technical Direction of Dancing at Lughnasa.

As Technical Director, my principle duties included costing, sourcing, and purchasing all materials required to construct the scenic elements, as designed by the scenic designer Kaitlyn Peterson, engineering and drafting all construction drawings needed to execute the design, developing a build calendar, and supervising scene shop labor to ensure safe and timely completion of all elements, …

Designing An Opera: A Wedding, Victoria Halverson

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis’ purpose is to provide research, photographs and other materials that document the scenic design process of the Glenn Korff School of Music’s opera production titled A Wedding. Included in this thesis are the following: research images used to convey ideas about location, time period, mood, scale, and textures to the director; visual tools used to communicate the scenic design: early sketches, renderings, and photos of the ¼” scale white and color models; a complete set of drafting plates and painter elevations used to communicate the look of each scenic element to the technical director and paint charge; …

Love's Labor's Lost: A Scenic Design, David B. Tousley Iii

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis describes the research and production processes of the set design for the play, Love’s Labor’s Lost by William Shakespeare, performed in the Howell Memorial Theatre, from November 13^th through November 23^rd at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska. Love’s Labor’s Lost was directed by Melora Kordos. David Tousley acted as the production’s set designer, Sarah Resch designed the lighting, Katie Davis designed the costumes, Lucas Dunwoody designed the sound, Vicki Halverson acted as the props mistress, and Greg Rishoi was the acting technical director.

This thesis contains the entire …

Unity (1918): The Lighting Of A Modern Dark Comedy With Gothic Elements, Steven J. Miller

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis is a reflection on the research and production process of the lighting design of the play Unity (1918) by Kevin Kerr, performed in the Studio Theatre at the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film from October 9 to 11 and October 14 to 19, 2014. The play was directed by Dr. Ian Borden with scenic design by Vicki Halverson, costume design by Megan Cudd, lighting design by Steven J. Miller and technical direction provided by A.J. Lowery. This thesis documents the lighting design process including initial meetings, research, conceptualization, paperwork, technical rehearsals, critical response, and production photos. …

Silence: A Technical Direction Project, Matthew Rightmire

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film opened its 2013-14 mainstage season with the play Silence in the Studio Theatre on October 10, 2013. This thesis project encompasses the Technical Direction of Silence. As the Technical Director, I was responsible for the budgeting of time, people, and money necessary to plan, organize, construct, and load into the theatre all the scenic elements required for the performance. Duties included purchasing materials, drafting construction drawings, and leading shop crews in the individual processes to create each scenic element as well as modifying the house seating equipment to accommodate the scenic …

Gender Confusion, Genocide And The Apocalypse: Directing Moira Buffini's Silence, Dennis N. Henry

Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film: Theses, Student Research, and Creative Work

This thesis contains the written documentation of the process of directing a theatrical production of Silence by Moira Buffini, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Master of Fine Arts in Directing for Stage and Screen at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

This documentation and analysis of the processes herein include: play selection, background research, concept development, casting, rehearsal process, development of design elements and evaluation based on critical response, audience reception and self-reflection.

Advisor: Virginia Smith