Theatre and Performance Studies Commons^™

Caught In The Net--The Development And Production Of An Original Playscript, Prince Duren

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Drama at the University of Arkansas provides students with the opportunity to take part in classes, workshops, stage readings, and productions as part of its new play development process. The purpose of this thesis document is to clearly and concisely track the process of developing, rehearsing, and producing the world premiere of Caught in the Net, a play involving an African American woman whose life is forever changed when she enters into an online relationship. The document also includes research information, the play's most recent draft, and production photos. The play was presented by the University Theatre …

The Façade Of The Cabaret: The Costume Design Thesis Of Cabaret, Kelly Henry

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the process used to create and realize the costume design for the

production of Cabaret put on at the University of Arkansas University Theatre in the spring of 2013. In this thesis I will explain how the costumes progressed from research ideas, to sketches and colored renderings, to finished stage costumes. The design process outlined in this thesis includes an analysis of the play, research, renderings, and an evaluation of the costume design process I followed.

Lighting Two Worlds As One: A Variation Of Moises Kaufman's "33 Variations", Diana Renee Kaiser

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In partial fulfillment of a Master of Fine Arts degree, this thesis will document the lighting design process for Moises Kaufman's 33 Variations, performed at the University of Arkansas in October, 2012. The paper will illustrate the collaborative approach taken by the design team in developing this production. Also this paper will discuss the close work and collaboration between the light and sound designs, and specifically, the choices made in the technical rehearsals.

This paper will attempt to answer the question: How do you bridge the gap between time and space making one cohesive world, provide various locations, and support …

Fight Or Flight, Asher Griffith

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Fight or Flight is a one-act, science-fiction opera. Outwardly the story of an astronaut who is marooned on the Moon, this dark comedy is an allegorical tale of forced isolation and loss; and of the anxiety and sadness that inevitably result. Musically, this piece began as an experiment in the reverse-engineering of mostly improvisatory methods of musical spoken-word delivery such as rap or slam poetry; this compositional device being a means to the more important end of creating a live musical theatre lacking the flippant sparkle commonly associated with Broadway and the like, but also free of the "intellectual" or …

Performance Of The Role Of Stanley Kowalski In Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire, William Justin Walker

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The truth in acting comes from living truthfully under imaginary circumstances. For partial fulfillment of my degree, I sought to bring this truth to the stage for the role of Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire. In addition, I played the role of Reach in Lee Blessing's Down the Road.

Performance Of The Role Of Blanche Dubois In Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire", Shannon Leigh Webber

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This is a compilation of my work in both "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Down the Road." In this thesis you will find a portfolio of my work in both shows containing my artistry statement, programs, photos, and a link to my actor's website.

Staging An Epic Journey: Developing The Set Design For Naomi Iizuka's Anon(Ymous), Ashleigh Louise Burns

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In partial fulfillment of a Master of Fine Arts degree, this thesis paper will document the scenic design process of Naomi Iizuka's Anon(ymous), performed at the University of Arkansas in February, 2012. This paper will illustrate the approach taken by the designers and discuss the collaborative efforts of the design team and company of actors. The construction process and discoveries and decisions made during technical rehearsals will also be included.

This paper will attempt to answer the question: How do you stage the iconic and beloved story of The Odyssey with limited time, budget and skill? I will begin with …

Performance Of The Role Of Beethoven In Moises Kaufman's "33 Variations", Robert Flaherty Hart

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

My MFA thesis requirements dictated that I would play a thesis role in a main stage University of Arkansas production, and produce with my fellow third year MFA Acting students a production of our own, showcasing the skills we have learned in our three years in the program. My thesis role was as Ludwig van Beethoven in the Fall 2012 production of Moises Kaufman's "33 Variations" in the University Theatre. In Spring 2013, I played Dan Henniman in a Kimpel Hall Studio 404 production of Lee Blessing's "Down the Road," in fulfillment of the second part of my thesis performance …

An Exploration Of Moises Kaufman's 33 Variations Through Scenic Design, Ashley De Lys Harman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In partial fulfillment of a Master of Fine Arts degree, this thesis paper will document the scenic design process of Moises Kaufman's 33 Variations, performed at the University of Arkansas in September of 2012. This paper will map the collaborative journey taken by the design team, highlighting the dialogue between the scenic designer and director. It will also touch upon the construction and rehearsal process and how both contributed to the final design.

This thesis will attempt to answer the question: How do you create a fluid and evocative space for two separate, yet coexisting time periods joined through …

"The Adding Machine": A Director's Notebook, Esteban Arévalo Ibáñez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The following thesis is a compilation and analysis of my experiences during the process of directing The Adding Machine by Elmer Rice, from its conception in the director's imagination, to the collaboration with the design team and the actors. It begins with research and the director's approach to the play. Then a description of the process follows, starting with the design meetings and auditions, and going through rehearsals, performances, and evaluations of the show by faculty and peers. This description is accompanied by a journal that contains the director's thoughts and reactions to discoveries and challenges that came up during …

A Classical Journey In A Contemporary World: Directing Naomi Iizuka's Anon(Ymous), Maria Chiara Pipino

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis paper is on the directorial journey that led to the production of Anon(ymous), by Naomi Iizuka, at the University Theatre in spring 2012. The following chapters will discuss the birth and evolution of the production, the approach to the script from the director's point of view and the creative process.

"I Can't Stop Thinking": The Process Of Creating The Role Of Mr. Zero, Maurice Reed

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis contains an account of the characterization process of Mr. Zero from The Adding Machine, by Elmer Rice. The character and script analysis is revealed through journal entries and will be discussed as the analysis was put into use in the rehearsal process. The production of The Adding Machine opened Nov 11, 2011 and ran until Nov 20, 2011. The rehearsal process began on Sep 21, 2011. This thesis will document the struggles and success of creating the role of Mr. Zero.

The Development And Debut Of Adam Esquenazi Douglas' Play "Murder And The English Gentleman", Adam Esquenazi Douglas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the development process of the creation of a new playscript, "Murder and the English Gentleman", an adaptation of the short story "Lord Arthur Savile's Crime" by Oscar Wilde. The play is a wild, comedy-of-manners presented in classic Wildean 19th century drawing room style. The document details the process of getting this script from short story to script to stage. Also included are some of the play's most significant drafts, the original short story by Wilde, production and rehearsal journals, and production photos. The play was presented by the University of Arkansas' Boar's …

Playing Devil's Advocate: The Attractive Shakespearean Villain, Jonathan Montgomery Green

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The characters of William Shakespeare have spawned countless words of critical interpretation inspired by the playwright's aptitude for fashioning intricate and conflicted figures. As a master character craftsman, Shakespeare is consistent in creating fascinatingly deep characters, and many of them have even gone so far as to generate entire literary archetypes. From the contemplative Prince Hamlet to the despicable yet charming John Falstaff, Shakespeare's characters remain eternal representatives of what any good character should be: interesting, provocative, and complicated.

However, among the playwright's most hypnotic figures are his villains, those characters whom audiences should by all counts detest but cannot …

A Marriage Of Realism And Expressionism: Preparing And Performing The Role Of Mrs. Zero In Elmer Rice's The Adding Machine, Rebecca Rivas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In Elmer Rice's expressionistic play,The Adding Machine, the character of Mrs. Zero is written to forego authenticity and highlight a husband's absurd perception of his wife. The elements of expressionism in the play paint Mrs. Zero as a caricature rather than a person. In order to effectively portray this caricature, role-preparation must be rooted in realism. It is by connecting organically with Mrs. Zero's underlying truth that the portrayal of this absurd character can be made effective. Here, I attempt to find a balance between realistic role-preparation and expressionistic style of performance. My efforts are documented through journal …

Jealousy, Manipulation And Murder: Designing The Costumes For William Shakespeare's Othello, Latricia Ann Reichman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The following thesis explains the process utilized to create and implement the costume design for the production of Othello produced at the University of Arkansas University Theatre in the Spring of 2011. Throughout this thesis I will illustrate how the costumes went from initial research ideas to sketches and colored renderings and finally to finished three-dimensional costumes. The design process detailed here includes an analysis of the play, production history, research, renderings, and an evaluation of the overall process.

"If I Didn't Ever Have To Come Down, I Wouldn't": My Process In Preparing And Playing Walter Griffin In Bridget Carpenter's Up, Jared Taylor Hanlin

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is an examination of my actor's process for creating and performing the lead role of Walter Griffin in Bridget Carpenter's contemporary drama Up. It is composed entirely of journal entries detailing my preparation and observations from the beginning of the audition process (August 22, 2011) through the closing of the show (October 9, 2011) and ending with reflective evaluations after closing. Up was produced by the University of Arkansas Department of Drama at the University Theatre and directed by Amy Herzberg.

A Broken Butterfly: Playing The Role Of Daisy In Elmer Rice's The Adding Machine, Brandi Lynn Hoofnagle

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will examine the process of acting the role of Daisy in Elmer Rice's The Adding Machine. Rehearsals for this production began September 21 continued through November 20, 2011. The production was directed by third year M F A candidate Esteban Arevalo Ibanez and produced at the Kernodle Theatre by the University of Arkansas. The body of this thesis is constructed with a text and character analysis integrated into daily rehearsal journals, documenting the process of this production from auditions to the final performance. Through reflection and description of process, I hope to show the creation the actor goes …

Playing Ann In Arthur Miller's All My Sons: One Actress' Approach In Creating A Role, Abbey Jo Molyneux

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The intent of this thesis, Playing Ann in Arthur Miller's All My Sons: One Actress' Approach in Creating a Role, is to document the research, analysis, and personal journey that informed the rehearsal and production processes in my portrayal as the character in the aforementioned title. This thesis includes the following five chapters: Script Analysis, Character Analysis, Created Materials, Reflections on the Audition, Rehearsal, and Production Processes, and A Summation of the Creative Process. All My Sonsby Arthur Miller was produced by the University of Arkansas in the University Theatre February 1-10, 2008, and directed by Michael Landman.

Portraying The Role Of Ezra Chater In Tom Stoppard's Arcadia, Joshua David Kellman

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In January of 2011 I began working on the role of Ezra Chater

in Tom Stoppard's 1993 masterpiece

Arcadia . The production was under the

direction of Mavourneen Dwyer. After a month and a half of

rehearsal we opened on February 25th, 2011, and began a run of

performances that lasted until March 6th. Ezra Chater appears twice

over the course of the play, first in Act 1 scene 1, then in Act 1 Scene

III, and his character is integral to the mystery that connects the past

and present scenes together. In this paper I will be detailing the …

The Development And Production Of Justin Blasdel's Play Your Last Friend, Inc., Justin Morgan Blasdel

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis details the process of the creation of the new script, Your Last Friend, Inc., a play about two conmen who realize that selling death isn't nearly as easy as selling life to the hopeless. It follows the many evolutions of the script; from the first version developed in the Graduate Playwriting class all the way to the final production at Boar's Head Players 2010 New Play Showcase at Nadine Baum Studios at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The playwright's choice to add humor to a serious topic is challenged, the characters actions face outside opinions, and …

Into The Fire: My Journey Into The Life Of John Proctor, William Dale Grayson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The following is the record of my time working on the character of John Proctor in Arthur Miller's, The Crucible. I will discuss my approach in creating the role as well as my experience in the rehearsal room. The end of the paper contains a retrospective journal where I cover rehearsals and performance.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee: A Costume Design Process, Alexis Lauren Foster

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will describe the costume design process for the production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee produced at the University of Arkansas University Theatre. In this thesis I will detail the process that I followed to create and produce costume designs for the production; from original idea to completed costumes. The design process will include an explanation of my design philosophy, initial reaction and analysis of the play, research, renderings, completed costumes and final thoughts on the overall process.

Forgiven: Creating The Role Of Elizabeth Proctor, Laura Kay Harrell

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The following documents my process of creating the role of Elizabeth Proctor in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. It follows the audition process, table work sessions and my own personal and detailed journal entries I kept in rehearsals while creating this role.

An Exploration Of The Collegiate Experiences Of Theatre Students In A Regional University, Robyn N. Pursley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose for conducting the study was to describe the collegiate experience of performing arts students studying theatre in a comprehensive university setting through a qualitative examination of the perceptions that theatre students hold regarding their interactions with faculty, students, administrators, and the college campus. The study was guided by an ethnographic design identifying the sample of theatre students as a culture sharing group engaged in the formal study of theatre in a university setting. The significance of the study rested in its identification of theatre students as a student subpopulation in need of further study aimed at providing a …

Lighting The World Of Urinetown: The Musical By Greg Kotis And Mark Hollman, Justin Brett Ashley

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will describe the lighting design process for the production of Urinetown: the musical produced at the University of Arkansas, University Theatre, October 2010. The thesis will detail the process that was followed to create and produce the lighting design from original idea to completed production. The process covers visual and textual research, artistic process, technical process, development of light plot and associated paperwork.