DESIGN A PLAY FROM A DIRECTOR/PRODUCER PERSPECTIVE

CAST:$Descriptions$provided$by$Music$Theatre$ International$http://www.mtishows.com/company$$

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Bobby:$Jeremy$Jordan$

“The$story's$protagonist$(…)$appears$happy$$ but$holds$pain$in$his$heart.$(…)$only$one$of$$ his$friends$still$single.$Terrified$of$marriage$$ and$fears$(…)$loneliness.”$

+ + April:$Ashley$Spencer$ $(Jordan’s$real$life$wife)$ $ “A$girlfriend$of$Robert's.$She$is$a$flight$$ attendant$who$came$to$New$York$to$live$$ $ in$Radio$City.$Ditzy$and$adorable.”$ $ $ $ $ + Kathy:+Kara$Lindsay$ (Jordan’s$costar$in$Newsies)$ $ “An$old$girlfriend$of$Robert's,$who$is$now$ $considered$a$good$friend.$She$plans$to$$ leave$the$City$for$a$life$of$domesticity.$$ Sweet$and$loving.”$

$ $ $ $ $ + Marta8$Solea$Pfeiffer$ (Jordan’s$costar$in$West$ side$story)$ $ “A$girlfriend$of$Robert's.$Intensely$$ modern,$who$is$seeking$adventure$and$$ excitement$in$the$City.”$$

Sarah+and+Harry8$Orfeh$and$Andy$Kyle$$ + Sarah:$“Harry's$hyper$critical$wife.$(…)$avid$learner$of$karate$ $and$tends$to$overeat.$Open,$accepting,$and$full$of$love.”$ + Harry:+“Sarah's$husband.$(…)$recovering$alcoholic$continually$ $falling$off$the$wagon.$Believes$the$advantages$of$marriage$$ outweigh$the$disadvantages.”$

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ + Susan+and+Peter8$Megan$Mcginnis$and$ Adam$Halpin$$ + Susan:$“A$delicate$southern$belle.$Peter's$wife$and$exGwife.$ Motherly$in$her$affections$towards$Robert.”$$

$ Peter:$“Susan's$husband.$The$perfect$husband$and$exG husband.$He$is$very$liberal$in$his$view$of$relationships$and$ his$sexuality.”$

$ $ + + + + Jenny+and+David8+Nikki$Renee$Daniels$ and$Jeff$Kready$ $ Jenny:$“Quietly$manipulative,$simultaneously$square$and$wise.$Loves$$ her$husband,$David,$and$will$indulge$him$from$time$to$time.”$ $ David:+“Jenny's$husband,$he$is$relaxed$and$always$in$control.$$ Believes$a$man$should$be$married$and$that$the$sacrifice$of$freedom$is$$ worth$what$you$get$in$return.”$ $

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Amy+and+Paul8$Jenny$Powers$and$$ Matt$Cavenaugh$ $ $ Amy:+“A$frantic$neurotic$engaged$to$Paul$but$terrified$of$marriage.$ $After$a$mental$breakdown,$she$finally$realizes$that$Paul$is,$$ in$fact,$her$soul$mate.”$$ $ Paul:$“Amy's$fiancé.$Mildly$clingy,$but$patient$to$her$neurotic$nature.$$ He$is$fully$committed$to$the$idea$of$marriage$and$encourages$Robert$ $to$do$the$same.”$

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ + + + + + + Joanne+and+Larry8$Marin$Mazzie$and$ Jason$Daniely$ $ Joanne:+“Acerbic,$demanding,$and$blunt.$Too$old$to$be$part$$ of$the$young$crowd,$but$not$old$enough$to$be$part$of$the$older$$ crowd.$Puts$on$a$brassy$front$that$melts$when$she$is$alone$$ with$her$husband.”$ $ Larry:+“Joanne's$husband.$He$is$stoic$and$centered,$but$has$$ moments$of$goofiness.$Indulges$his$wife's$behavior$but$knows$ $when$to$put$his$foot$down.”$

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Costume+and+Character+Design+ + Generics:$characters$will$have$one$costume$for$the$show,$to$ fit$in$with$the$vignette/$memory$play$theme.$Certain$ accessories$will$be$added$to$provide$context.$Personal$ appearance$will$be$in$relation$to$character$description.$ Corresponding$colors$will$provide$insight$to$the$type$of$ person$each$character$is.$$$ + Bobby:+Color$schemeG$grey,$representative$of$his$wishyGwashy$personality$ and$trouble$with$commitment.$Appearance$is$a$dichotomy$of$a$put$together$ façade$that$is$clearly$worn$down.$Inspired+by+the+turtleneck+in+the+original+ production+combined+with+modern+day+fashion+trends+to+create+a+ universal+style$ $ IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$AND$PINTEREST$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

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$Simple$grey$suit$ and$black$ turtleneck$that$ provides$function$ and$versatility,$ while$playing$on$ color$scheme$and$ interpretations$of$ Robert$in$older$ productions.$$

As$the$audience$grows$to$ know$Bobby,$I$want$his$ appearance$to$gradually$ grow$more$casual$and$ disheveled$to$reflect$the$ pleasant$shell$he$ presents,$and$the$ struggles$he$faces$ beneath$it$all.$As$Bobby$ becomes$comfortable,$the$ jacket$can$be$removed$for$ a$more$personal$view$into$ his$body$language$and$ how$he$carries$himself.$

Jeremy$Jordan$in$The$Last$Five$ Years.$His$character$has$a$very$ grand$and$classy$public$life,$but$his$ marriage$is$in$shambles$at$home.$ The$contrast$of$his$nice$outfits$ paired$with$messy$hair,$tired$eyes,$ and$scruff$is$what$I’m$trying$to$ capture$

A$clearer$example$of$ the$ideal$state$of$ Bobby’s$hair$and$ facial$hair.$

$ Kathy:$All$three$of$Bobby’s$girlfriends$will$be$in$shades$of$green$to$represent$ the$“ambition,$greed$and$jealousy.”$That$can$come$with$serial$dating$ http://www.colorGmeanings.com/greenGcolorGmeaningGtheGcolorGgreen/$.$Kathy$herself$is$quite$ simple$and$classic,$her$appearance$is$more$of$an$afterthought.$$ $ IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$AND$PINTEREST$ $

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Kathy$is$often$ described$as$a$sweet$ girl$from$a$small$town,$ and$I$wanted$that$to$ reflect$in$her$ appearance.$I$made$her$ look$modern,$but$with$ retro$hints,$and$classic$ elements$to$make$it$ flexible.$I$wanted$her$in$ loafers,$slim$fit$pants,$ and$a$sweater$to$keep$ her$looking$practical,$ yet$comfortable.$I$chose$ a$deeper$green$to$keep$ her$a$tad$more$subdued$ and$mysterious.$Loafers$ are$a$classic$piece$that$ have$existed$for$the$ better$part$of$the$ century,$but$elements$ of$a$large$chunky$ sweater$and$slim$pants$ point$to$trends$in$the$ 80’s$and$90’s,$and$are$ even$back$in$style$ today.$$

Bobby$and$Kathy$are$in$an$ on/off$relationship,$so$I$ wanted$to$give$him$a$reason$ to$keep$getting$drawn$back$to$ her.$Her$clothes$are$cozy$and$ inviting,$and$exude$an$aura$of$ independence$mixed$with$a$ docile$temperament.$I$wanted$ her$to$look$effortless,$and$like$ the$girl$next$door.$Someone$ who$doesn’t$try$to$hard,$but$ for$some$reason$everyone$still$ can’t$take$their$eyes$off$of$her.$$

I$wanted$to$keep$Kathy’s$hair$ polished,$but$simpleG$just$ something$she$does$everyday$ to$keep$it$out$of$her$face.$I$ opted$to$keep$the$hair$ groomed$and$straight,$as$to$ not$tie$into$any$specific$time$ period.$

I$chose$to$keep$Kathy’s$ makeup$subdued$and$ simple,$emphasizing$her$ eyes$and$skin$to$make$her$ appear$youthful$and$ bright.$I$wanted$ simplicity$to$be$the$theme$ of$her$entire$look,$so$I$ kept$it$consistent$ throughout$outfit,$ hair,and$makeup.$$

April:$All$three$of$Bobby’s$girlfriends$will$be$in$shades$of$green$to$represent$ the$“ambition,$greed$and$jealousy.”$That$can$come$with$serial$dating$ http://www.colorGmeanings.com/greenGcolorGmeaningGtheGcolorGgreen/$.$April$is$a$flight$ attendant,$and$not$that$much$else,$so$I$chose$to$keep$her$aesthetic$very$one$ sided.$$ IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$AND$PINTEREST$

April’s$outfit$was$inspired$by$ Transavia$Air,$shown$in$the$ pictures$on$the$left$side$of$this$ document.$It’s$a$neutral$navy$ blue$base$with$green$accents,$ as$to$not$go$overboard.$

I$preferred$the$blazer,$ shirt$and$skirt$option,$ with$a$visible$belt$and$ scarf.$This$makes$it$ obvious$to$the$audience$ what$April$is,$but$gives$a$ little$room$for$the$ imagination.$

I$wanted$her$makeup$to$be$ classic$and$pop$against$her$ professional$uniform.$I$went$ for$a$traditional$look$done$by$ flight$attendants,$with$heavy$ accent$on$the$eyes$using$a$ wing,$and$a$bright$red$lip.$

April’s$career$requires$a$ certain$cut$out$type$look,$so$I$ made$her$hair$as$polished$and$ classic$as$possible,$by$ choosing$a$French$twist.$The$ hairstyle$is$appropriate$for$ work,$but$still$has$a$feminine$ feel$to$it.$$

Marta:+All$three$of$Bobby’s$girlfriends$will$be$in$shades$of$green$to$represent$ the$“ambition,$greed$and$jealousy.”$That$can$come$with$serial$dating$ http://www.colorGmeanings.com/greenGcolorGmeaningGtheGcolorGgreen/$.$Marta$is$a$free$spirit$who$ marches$to$the$beat$of$her$own$drum,$and$that$reflects$in$her$appearance.$$ $ IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$AND$PINTEREST$

Marta$is$young$and$edgy$and$outspoken,$ and$I$want$her$outfit$to$reflect$that.$The$ short$structured$dress$is$modern$and$ flirty,$while$the$leather$jacket$and$tights$ give$it$a$more$retro,$80’s$feel.$The$heels$are$ big$and$in$charge,$like$she$is,$and$the$ accessories$are$thought$out$and$fun.$$

I$wanted$Marta’s$hair$to$ have$a$wild,$vintage$feel$to$ it,$something$reminiscent$of$ “Heathers”.$Tori$Kelley$ (pictured$above)$is$a$singer$ who$embraces$her$natural$ hair$and$always$lets$it$run$ wild,$which$seems$like$ something$Marta$would$do.$

I$wanted$Marta’s$makeup$to$be$ extremely$grungy$and$bold,$and$really$ make$her$stand$out$in$comparison$to$the$ other$two$women$in$the$show.$Bobby’s$ relationship$with$Marta$is$almost$a$ rebellion$against$societal$expectations$of$ him,$and$I$want$her$look$to$reflect$that$ “going$against$the$grain”$aspect.$

Sarah+and+Harry:$Sarah$and$Harry’s$color$scheme$is$red,$which$symbolizes$ their$snippy,$fiery$rapport$with$one$another.$It$also$represents$longing,$which$ is$prominent$in$both$Sarah$and$Harry,$who$each$struggle$with$addiction.$ “http://www.colorGmeanings.com/redGcolorGmeaningGtheGcolorGred/”$$ $ IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$AND$PINTEREST$ $

I$wanted$Sarah’s$ outfit$to$be$figure$ flattering,$fun,$and$a$ reflection$of$fashion$ trends$in$the$70’s,$ with$long$lines,$flared$ slacks,$and$a$boho$ type$top.$I$wanted$ her$outfit$to$appear$ well$thought$out$and$ strategicGdue$to$her$ food$and$weight$ insecuritiesG$so$it$ would$act$as$a$shield$ of$sorts.$I$also$needed$ something$that$would$ work$for$her$karate$ scene,$so$pants.$$

Orfeh$(the$actress)$ has$a$very$iconic$ signature$style,$and$I$ wanted$to$keep$some$ of$that$in$her$ character$design.$ Because$of$that,$I$ chose$to$keep$her$ makeup$realistic,$as$ how$she$would$do$it$ outside$the$show,$and$ embrace$her$new$ bob,$which$plays$up$ the$house$wife$aspect$ of$her$character.$ Sarah$is$a$tad$pushy,$ and$forward,$so$I$ wanted$her$bolder$ makeup$to$reflect$ that.$

I$wanted$Harry’s$outfit$to$be$basic,$ with$classic$slacks,$and$a$simple$red$ pullover.$He$is$a$friendly,$but$troubled$ man,$who,$like$his$wife,$wants$to$keep$ up$appearances.$$

I$wanted$Harry’s$hair$to$be$ slightly$unkempt$and$ forgotten$about,$due$to$all$of$ the$other$things$on$his$mind.$I$ wanted$the$façade$to$be$only$ so$believable.$$

Susan+and+Peter:$Susan$and$Peter’s$color$scheme$is$yellow,$which$symbolizes$ their$seemingly$bright$and$cheery$marriage,$but$also$represents$warning$and$ caution,$as$the$two$are$on$the$brink$of$divorce.$http://www.colorG meanings.com/yellowGcolorGmeaningGtheGcolorGyellow/$ $ IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$AND$PINTEREST$ $

Susan$is$a$southern$belle,$and$I$wanted$her$to$exude$“perfect$

traditional$housewife.”$To$capture$that,$I$went$for$a$vintage$style$dress$

in$a$bright,$sunny$yellow$with$matching$heels$and$a$sash$to$make$a$full$

ensemble.$The$actress$playing$Susan$has$gorgeous$curly$hair$that$

resembles$Bernadette$Peters,$so$I$decided$to$embrace$that,$and$use$a$

staple$up$do$common$in$Bernadette’s$aesthetic.$As$for$makeup,$I$want$

it$to$be$simple$and$polished,$with$defined$features,$but$nothing$too$

bold$and$bright.$Susan$is$a$dichotomy$of$poise$and$jitters,$and$I$

wanted$her$outfit$to$reflect$her$emphasis$on$keeping$up$poised$

appearances.$$

Peter$is$a$trendy,$metrosexual$(sometimes$

more)$man$who$wants$to$live$his$own$life.$I$

wanted$his$look$to$capture$the$modern$styles$

of$today$that$reflect$on$old$vintage$dapper$type$

trends.$I$chose$to$make$the$pants$in$his$outfits$

colored,$as$it’s$a$bolder$choice,$reflecting$his$

desire$for$excitement.$The$actor$playing$Peter$

reflects$the$dapper$look,$especially$with$his$

glasses$and$coif,$so$I$chose$to$keep$it$in$the$

show.$

Jenny+and+David:+Jenny$and$David’s$color$is$blue,$which$symbolizes$their$ level$of$comfort$with$one$another.$While$their$love$isn’t$passionate$anymore,$ they$understand$and$trust$one$another,$and$have$an$established$order$in$their$ lives.$http://www.colorGmeanings.com/blueGcolorGmeaningGtheGcolorGblue/$$ $ IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$AND$PINTEREST$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Jenny$is$a$giving$wife$and$ mother,$who$puts$others$ before$herself.$She$is$also$ quite$modest,$and$I$wanted$ that$to$show$in$her$style.$ Her$outfit$is$simple,$a$ neutral$blouse$with$blue$ capri$slacks$and$sensible$ shoes.$She$does$enough$to$ look$polished,$but$doesn’t$ take$any$time$for$herself$to$ go$much$further$than$that.$ As$for$her$hair$and$makeup,$ the$actress$portraying$Jenny$ has$beautiful$natural$hair,$ but$it$seems$in$character$of$ Jenny$to$stay$calm,$so$I$ would$opt$to$have$her$hair$ blown$out$as$show$above.$ Like$most$of$the$other$ calmer$wives,$her$makeup$ is$subdued$and$fresh.$$

David$is$solid$and$ confident,$and$seems$to$ think$he$sees$the$world$ as$it$is.$I$decided$to$ keep$his$clothes$basic$ and$essential,$a$no$ nonsense$type$look.$ The$shirt$is$a$darker$ blue$in$order$to$appear$ more$neutral,$and$the$ rest$of$the$outfit$follows$ suit.$The$actor$himself$ has$lovely$coloring$that$ contrasts$the$deep$ tones$in$his$outfit,$and$a$ simple$styling$of$his$ hair$would$suffice,$but$ his$face$should$be$ cleanGshaven.$

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Amy’s$costume$and$character$design$was$the$most$complicated$of$all,$as$I$wanted$to$incorporate$a$bridal$outfit$into$her$costume.$My$goal$ was$to$keep$each$character$in$one$costume,$so$I$had$the$task$of$designing$Amy’s$costume$to$be$convertible.$For$most$of$the$show$she$will$be$ in$a$cocktail$dress$and$nude$heels,$but$there$is$a$matching$detachable$skirt,$that$will$be$put$on$for$her$wedding.$In$addition,$she$will$also$ have$a$bouquet$and$small$vintage$birdcage$veil.$The$small$accessories$are$minimal$but$effective$in$helping$the$audience$identify$where$Amy$ is$at$what$point$in$the$show.$I$also$chose$to$use$a$detachable$skirt,$so$during$the$song$“Not$Getting$Married”,$Amy$can$rip$it$off$during$her$ breakdown$about$her$future$nuptials.$Her$makeup$is$basic$bridal,$and$her$hair$is$purposely$messy$and$scattered,$to$match$her$frantic$state$ throughout$the$show.$$

Amy+and+Paul:+Amy$and$Paul’s$color$is$purple,$which$symbolizes$Paul’s$loyalty$to$Amy,$but$also$ represents$Amy’s$desire$to$escape$from$reality.$ http://www.colorGmeanings.com/purpleGcolorGmeaningGtheGcolorGpurple/$ $

I$wanted$Paul’s$outfit$to$be$simple$but$cohesive,$as$he$is$a$laid$back,$but$loyal$man.$I$coordinated$his$colors$with$Amy,$with$the$intent$of$ him$just$being$in$a$white$button$down$with$a$tie$or$vest$throughout$the$show,$and$adding$the$coat$for$his$wedding$scenes.$I$chose$to$ keep$him$cleanGshaven$with$perfectly$done$hair,$as$his$plot$centers$around$his$wedding$ceremony,$and$he$is$ready$and$excited$for$it.$

Joanne+and+Larry:$I$chose$to$keep$Joanne$and$Larry’s$color$scheme$black$and$ white$because$of$Joanne’s$brashness.$She$is$a$woman$who$has$seen$it$all$and$ knows$that$the$world$is$black$and$white$and$everyone$has$to$deal$with$it.$She$ also$presents$an$air$of$sophistication$wherever$she$goes,$and$black$and$white$ usually$indicates$formal.$As$for$Larry,$he’s$along$for$the$ride$and$is$the$yin$to$ her$yang,$white$to$black.$$ $ ALL$IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$AND$PINTEREST$ $ $

I$chose$a$pantsuit$for$Joanne$because$she$is$an$in$charge$woman$who$commands$the$room.$Accompanied$with$fashionable,$and$ almost$too$young$accessories,$the$result$is$a$strong$but$feminine$look.$The$actress$playing$Joanne$recently$suffered$from$cancer,$ so$her$hair$is$only$at$a$pixie$cut$at$this$point,$which$I$wanted$to$embrace$for$Joanne’s$character.$Both$Marin$and$Joanne$are$ women$who$have$been$through$hell$and$back,$and$I$want$that$to$shine$through.$

Larry$is$the$calm$one$in$the$relationship,$so$I$kept$his$outfit$minimal.$As$for$his$hair$and$facial$features,$the$actor$playing$Larry$is$ younger$than$his$wife,$so$I$chose$to$have$him$play$the$part$with$a$mustache,$as$it$ages$him$a$bit.$A$white$dress$shirt$and$black$slacks$is$ pretty$timeless$as$well,$making$his$style$ambiguous.$$

THE+THEATRE+SPACE8$Circle$In$The$Square$ $

My$theatre,$performance$space,$stage$style,$and$audience$layout,$are$all$ inspired$by$the$production$of$FUN$HOME$I$saw$at$Circle$in$the$Square.$Being$ able$to$see$the$actors$from$so$many$different$sides$was$fascinating,$and$the$ minimal$set$popping$up$from$the$floor$helped$with$the$vignette$style$of$the$ show.$Since$Company$is$done$in$a$similar$format,$I$thought$using$FUN$HOME$ as$inspiration$would$be$perfect.$$ $ IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$$ $ $

• The$Circle$in$the$Square$has$“650$seats$(...),$Mann$told$PLAYBILL:$“Every$seat$here$has$a$perfect$view$(...)$we$ have$the$latest$technical$facilities$—$we$can$trap$the$stage,$have$enough$height$to$fly$the$scenery$—$from$an$ artistic$and$scenic$point$of$view.$And$look$at$the$ceiling$in$the$auditorium.$I$don’t$know$of$any$other$theatre$ like$this$that$has$a$visible$grid$above$the$audience$where$electricians$and$stagehands$can$walk$about.$All$our$ lighting$will$come$from$there.$This$is$a$whole$new$innovation$in$the$Broadway$area$—$the$arrival$of$ institutional$theatres.”(…)$‘When$you$walk$in$the$door,$you$should$see$the$stage$—$that$should$predominate$ —$not$the$audience.’$So,$when$you$walk$into$our$theatre,$the$first$thing$you$see$is$the$stage$—$and$it$ works.”(PLAYBILL.COM)$$

$ • According$to$New$York$archives,$Circle$in$the$Square$is$also$one$of$only$2$Broadway$thrust$stages,$and$the$

only$one$to$have$the$ability$to$be$in$the$round,$including$a$vomitorium,$which$is$where$actors$enter$through$ openings$throughout$the$audience.$$

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THE+AUDIENCE/PERFORMANCE+SPACE8$ Circle$In$The$Square$

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• I$would$choose$to$make$the$space$“In$The$Round”$or$“Arena”,$which$ essentially$a$theatre$space$in$which$the$audience$encircles$the$ performance$area.$I$would$like$to$make$the$audience$a$smaller$450$ compared$to$the$usual$650G700$in$order$to$make$the$performance$space$ slightly$larger.$

• “This$arrangement$brings$more$spectators$closer$to$the$stage$action$and$ permits$a$set$of$intimate$involvement$with$the$actors.$Simultaneously,$ audience$members$can$see$each$other$across$the$playing$space$and$are$ aware$of$being$apart$of$the$event.$This$creates$a$heightened$theatricality$ and$awareness$of$the$fragility$of$the$theatrical$illusion.”$(The$World$of$ Theatre)$

• As$a$performer,$I$can$attest$that$an$audience$is$the$secret$ingredient$in$a$ successful$show.$As$an$audience$member,$I$can$attest$that$creative$and$ innovative$staging$peaks$my$interests$and$makes$me$participate$more$in$ the$experience.$Combining$my$knowledge$of$performing$and$observing,$I$ feel$like$theatre$in$the$round$is$the$perfect$way$to$create$an$intimate$and$ unique$production,$while$still$maintaining$theatrical$conventions$such$as$ a$fourth$wall,$or$at$least$separation$between$actor$and$audience.$$

THE+PERFORMANCE+SPACE:+STAGING+AND+ SET+DESIGN+

$ • “Arena$staging$places$demands$on$directors,$actors,$designers,$and$the$ audience$(…)$Set$designers$must$develop$clever,$small$set$pieces$(…)$ without$any$backdrops$or$flats$that$would$obscure$vision.$Lighting$ designers$have$the$difficult$task$of$directing$light$to$keep$the$playing$ area$separate$from$the$audience$(…)$Director’s$staging$must$keep$the$ physical$action$moving$so$no$actor$has$a$back$to$(…)$the$audience$for$ too$long.$Actors$must$invent$justifications$for$movement$and$turns$to$ play$to$all$four$sides$of$the$house$(…)$audience$members$must$select$ focus”$(The$World$of$Theatre)$ $

• Company$is$the$perfect$show$to$perform$in$the$round,$as$it$is$a$musical$ told$in$vignettes,$almost$like$a$memory$play$in$my$opinion,$as$the$plot$ essentially$follows$Robert$through$a$series$of$different$scenarios,$never$ fully$connected.$$

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• Bobby,$the$protagonist$narrates$his$life$and$relationship$with$married$ friends$and$casual$girlfriends.$Each$scene/song$is$compromised$of$a$ meeting$with$one$of$the$pairs$or$lovers.$However,$the$show$continues$to$ swing$back$to$the$scene$of$Bobby’s$35th$birthday,$albeit$in$different$ scenarios.$$

• The$show$is$unrealistic,$a$“concept$musical”$which$is$when$“the$concept$ or$statement$of$the$show$is$more$important$than$its$plot$or$narrative.”$ (stageagent)$

• Due$to$all$of$these$factors,$the$staging$and$setting$of$my$production$of$ Company$will$be$quite$minimal$and$metaphorical.$$

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SET+BASICS$ • Inspired$by$FUN$HOME,$I$wanted$to$have$a$blank$stage,$where$set$pieces$ came$up$from$the$floor$through$the$use$of$hydraulics.$$

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$ • I$want$the$stage$split$in$to$sections,$one$for$each$couple,$and$girlfriend,$ that$rise$during$their$respective$scenes.$$

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$• Actors$will$use$voms$to$enter$and$exit.$Set$pieces$will$only$come$up$when$the$ scene$exists$in$their$location.$If$it’s$an$unspecified$scenario,$actors$will$be$in$ same$spots$as$their$sections,$but$without$set$pieces$and$just$lighting.$

• Orchestra$under$the$stage.$

SET+PIECES+–$IMAGES$FROM$GOOGLE$AND$ PINTEREST$$

+ Robert/Group+Scenes:+A$coffee$table,$telephone,$and$couch$that$ becomes$a$bed.$Occasionally$a$birthday$cake$on$the$table.$Minimal$ and$modern.$$ $$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Kathy’s+Section:+a$park$bench$and$a$streetlight$hanging$from$the$ flies,$as$to$not$obstruct$views.$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ April’s+Section:+A$table$and$chairs,$and$a$chessboard.$$One$unit$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ +

Marta’s+Section:+floor$pillows,$a$fuzzy$rug,$and$a$lava$lamp$ $$$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Sarah+and+Harry8$Kitchen$Table$with$food$spread$and$drink$table$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Susan+and+Peter8+“Terrace”$basically$2$railings$set$up$in$a$square,$ not$connected,$with$a$table$for$drinks/food.$ $ $ $ $ $ $

Jenny+and+David:+sofa,$rug,$and$ottoman$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Amy+and+Paul:+Breakfast$table$with$nook$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Joanne+and+Larry8+nightclub.$Big$trendy$Ottomans$and$center$table.$ $ $

LIGHTING$ $ • Circle$in$The$Square$is$equipped$with$a$full$gridiron$light$system$that$ encompasses$the$entire$ceiling.$So$the$possibilities$for$lighting$are$ endless.$$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

• I$want$each$angle$of$the$actor$or$scene$to$be$fully$visible$and$lit$ on$all$sides$for$the$audience$when$it$is$happening.$$

$ • I$want$to$use$selective$lighting$in$replace$of$set$pieces$to$ represent$being$in$separate$spaces.$

$ • I$want$to$use$specific$lighting$to$direct$the$audience’s$attention$ $ • I$want$to$use$colored$and$patterned$lighting$to$create$moods$ for$certain$scenes.$$

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LIGHTING/STAGING8+SCENE/SONG+BY+ SCENE/SONG+

ACT$1$ $ • SCENE$1:$$‘Bobby’$A$plain&spot$comes$up$on$BOBBY,$sitting$ on$his$couch$listening$to$his$answering$machine.$Specials$ proceed$to$shine$down$on$each$caller$(in$their$assigned$ section)$as$they$show$up$on$the$answering$machine,$using$ gels$to$slightly$correspond$with$their$costume$color.$ Specials&go$off$as$they$finish$singing.$As$they$being$to$sing$ together,$$a$warm$wash&floods!the$stage$from$all$sides.$ JOANNE$brings$his$birthday$cake$to$the$coffee$table$and$ sets$it$down.$They$all$watch$BOBBY$open$his$gifts,$spread$ around$the$stage$facing$him$so$audience$members$can$see$ a$couple$in$their$sight.$When$it’s$their$turn$to$present$ their$gift,$they$bring$it$to$him$and$cross$to$the$other$side.$ When$BOBBY$blows$out$his$candles,$a$harsh$spot&hits$him$ from$all$sides,$while$the$rest$of$the$lights$dim.&$ G‘Company’G$As$the$song$begins,$all$characters$go$to$the$ edges$of$the$stage$and$face$out$to$the$audience$and$sing$as$ if$they’re$singing$directly$to$BOBBY.$BOBBY$stands$in$the$ middle$and$marvels$them$all.$Couples$pair$off,$and$ girlfriends$clump$together$in$respective$spots$and$sing$to$ BOBBY.$A$GOBO&of$nice$square$boxes$shines$down$on$each$ section$in$each$characters$color,$while$BOBBY’S$is$a$circle.$ The$overall$wash&is$bright$and$clear,$with$all$actors$seen$ from$all$sides.$$ $

• SCENE$2:$SARAH$and$HARRY’S$section$rises$up,$with$ warm$lighting$similar$to$a$kitchen$at$night.$It$is$ concentrated$in$their$section,$but$floods$onto$the$rest$of$ the$stage$as$well.BOBBY$and$HARRY$are$sitting$relaxed$

while$SARAH$is$picking$up$dishes$and$putting$them$in$the$ food$cart.$As$the$Karate$fight$begins,$the$lights$turn$more$ of$a$red$and$blue$hue$to$make$the$mood$more$of$a$WWE$ fight,$complete$with$rotating&spotlights.&$ G‘Little$Things$You$Do$Together’$JOANNE$enters$from$an$ opposite$vom$with$a$spot.$She$sings$and$SARAH$AND$ HARRY$freeze.$They$continue,$her$spot$goes$off.$Proceeds$ to$come$up$on$her$in$various$areas$of$the$stage$every$time$ she$sings.$Repeating$SARAH$AND$HARRY$freezing,$and$ lights$going$down$on$JOANNE$and$coming$up$in$a$new$ portion$of$the$stage.$When$all$of$the$couples$sing,$they$ show$up$in$respecting$voms$together$and$sing$with$spots& on$them.$Walk$in$together$almost$promenade$style$and$ eventually$make$their$way$to$an$opposite$vom,$wives$ leave,$husbands$stay$in$voms$and$watch$while$SARAH$and$ HARRY$and$BOBBY$stay$at$their$respective$section.$$ G‘Sorry$Grateful’G$SARAH$AND$HARRYS$set$lowers,$and$the$ lighting$turns$blue.$Men$enter$from$their$voms.$Lighting$ brought$up$for$men,$but$no$specific$or$harsh$spots.&BOBBY$ stands$in$the$middle$watching$them,$but$not$much$light$ on$him,$he$is$not$the$focus.$As$the$men$finish,$they$exit,$ except$for$BOBBY.$ $

• SCENE$3:$SUSAN$AND$PETER’S$terrace$rise$up$with$them$ on$it.$A$plain$flood&is$on$the$set$piece.$While$the$rest$of$the$ stage$is$a$purple$projection$light$of$the$new$york$skyline.$ Characters$can$look$off$either$side$of$the$balcony.$When$ BOBBY$says$“or$I$feel”,$the$lights$switch$back$to$normal,$ with$the$focus$now$on$JENNY$AND$DAVIDS$set,$which$has$ risen$up.$

• Scene$4:$BOBBY$goes$to$join$JENNY$AND$DAVID$in$their$ living$room.$Lighting$is$dim$throughout$the$stage,$but$ brighter$on$their$section.$$

G‘You$Could$Drive$A$Person$Crazy’G$All$3$girlfriends$rise$up$ in$the$center$of$the$stage,$with$a$bright$spot$shining$ straight$down$on$them.$Full$lighting$comes$up$for$each$ girl$on$each$“doo$doo$doo$doo”.$The$lighting$is$relatively$ dim,$as$each$girl$has$a$follow&spot.$They$face$out$to$the$ audience$on$each$side,$and$rotate$for$each$verse.$At$the$ end$the$bright$spot&returns$and$they$lower$back$down.$$ Lighting$returns$to$JENNY$AND$DAVIDS$section.$At$the$ end$of$the$scene,$their$section$lowers.$The$rest$of$the$men$ come$on.$ G‘Have$I$got$A$Girl$For$You’G$$Men$come$on$and$each$grabs$ BOBBY,$pulling$him$to$the$side$talking$to$him.$Each$man$ does$it$in$a$different$direction$to$face$a$different$part$of$ the$audience.$The$disappear,$the$stage$goes$dim,$and$a$ spot$rises$on$BOBBY.$ G‘Someone$is$waiting’G$there$is$a$spot$on$BOBBY.$He$sings,$ when$each$wife$is$mentioned,$a$gobo$square$of$her$color$ comes$on$with$her$in$the$middle.$BOBBY$turns$each$time$ he$sees$a$new$wife$to$think$about.$ • SCENE$5G$MARTA$appears$from$a$vom$with$bright$ colored$lights$and$sings$‘Another$Hundred$People’.$ The$lights$on$her$go$off$and$come$up$on$BOBBY$and$ APRIL,$playing$chess$in$the$park,$with$sound$effects$ of$birds$chirping.$Lights$go$off$on$them$and$back$up$ on$MARTA$in$a$new$part$of$the$stage,$who$continues$ her$song.$The$lights$on$her$go$off$and$come$up$on$ BOBBY$and$KATHY$on$a$park$bench,$with$a$GOBO$of$ a$tree.$The$lights$on$them$go$off,$and$MARTA’s$ return,$and$she$completes$her$song,$and$ends$up$at$ her$section$with$Robert.$$

• SCENE$6G$PAUL$AND$AMYS$set$rises$up$with$AMY$ sitting$at$the$table.$PAUL$and$BOBBY$use$voms$to$ enter.$Lights$are$bright$everywhere$so$AMY$can$run$ around$the$whole$stage$‘Not$Getting$Married’.$RAIN+

SOUND+EFFECT.$Lights$dim$and$focus$on$BOBBY$ and$AMY$when$he$asks$her$to$marry$her.$As$AMY$ exits$to$look$for$PAUL,$the$light$becomes$more$ focused,$and$BOBBY$sings$‘Marry$Me$a$Little’.$All$of$ the$sudden,$the$rest$of$the$lights$come$up$and$every$ one$is$in$his$apartment.$$

ACT$2$ Scene$1:$We$pick$up$where$we$left$off.$As$the$couples$ and$BOBBY$sing$‘Side$By$Side’,$the$lights$brighten,$ and$GOBOS$of$their$colored$cubes$come$on$and$ move$throughout$the$stage.$The$couples$make$their$ way$around$the$stage$so$all$audience$members$can$ see$them.$Everyone$disappears,$and$APRIL$comes$ out$of$a$vom,$walking$with$BOBBY$to$his$section.$ Light$is$focused$in$the$center$on$BOBBY$and$APRIL,$ except$when$the$couples$come$on$stage$to$sing$‘Poor$ Baby’,$which$results$in$soft$washes$of$light$and$color$ being$splashed$on$them,$and$red$light$shining$down$ on$BOBBY$and$April.$$ SCENE$2:$(blackout)$The$lights$come$up$on$BOBBY$ and$APRIL$laying$down,$‘Barcelona’,$they’re$soft$and$ gradually$get$brighter,$like$a$sunrise.$They$go$black$ at$the$end$of$the$song.$ SCENE$3:$The$lights$from$before$come$back$up$on$ SUSAN$and$PETERS$terrace,$and$BOBBY$and$MARTA$ enter.$The$scene$swiftly$transitions$to$a$nightclub.$ SCENE$4:$There$is$dim$music$in$the$background,$a$ bright$wash$in$JOANNE$and$LARRY’S$section,$and$a$ softer$effect$of$a$disco$ball$shining$on$the$stage.$It$all$ halts$for$‘Ladies$Who$Lunch’,$which$is$plain$stark$ lighting.$The$lights$soften$back$to$the$nightclub$ scene.$ SCENE$5:$JOANNE$AND$LARRY$disappear$with$their$ set.$BOBBY$is$left$alone$in$blue$light.$A$spot$comes$

up$for$‘Being$Alive’,$then$there$is$a$black$out.$The$ lights$come$back$up$on$BOBBY’s$friends$waiting$for$ him$in$his$apartment.$BOBBY$never$goes$inside,$so$ they$leave,$the$lights$focusing$onto$his$section.$ BOBBY$walks$on$and$blows$out$his$candles,$and$the$ lights$go$out.$$ $

CONCLUSION$ $

I$used$my$passion$for$musical$theatre,$interest$in$human$ relationships,$and$appreciation$for$technical$design$to$create$ the$concept$for$my$show.$From$the$casting$choices,$to$the$ color$schemes,$to$the$theatre$I$chose,$to$the$audience$size,$to$ the$set,$to$the$staging,$and$to$the$lightingG$I$thought$out$every$ aspect$I$could.$Company$is$a$show$that$has$never$been$ staged$literally,$and$my$concept$is$no$exception.$But$thanks$ to$theatrical$conventions,$and$other$techniques$and$methods$ we$learned$this$semester,$I$could$create$an$acceptable$reality$ for$the$audience.$$

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$$$$$$$$$$$$OVERALL$CLASS$GRADE$ $ $ I$really$enjoyed$the$class$this$semester,$as$I$had$been$on$ quite$the$hiatus$from$theatre$for$the$past$few$years.$Unfortunately,$I$ was$not$able$to$be$as$physically$present$as$I$would$have$hoped$due$ to$my$diagnosis$of$mono$in$the$middle$of$the$semester.$Up$until$that$ point,$I$had$near$perfect$attendance,$and$participated$fully$in$every$ class$period.$In$order$to$manage$my$amount$of$absences$in$the$class,$ I$made$sure$to$have$a$standing$doctors$note$available$to$any$of$my$ teachers$who$were$concerned,$and$was$always$in$contact$with$a$ classmate$to$get$information$on$what$was$done$in$class$in$order$to$ catch$myself$up.$There$were$quite$a$few$bed$ridden$days$that$I$spent$ watching$Moon$over$Broadway,$documentaries$on$Asian$Theatre,$or$ reading$my$fellow$classmate’s$10$minute$plays$in$order$to$know$ what$show$I$would$participate$in.$I$made$sure$the$days$I$was$in$class$ were$made$the$most$out$of$to$my$abilities,$and$I$actively$participated$ in$class$discussions,$notes,$readings,$viewings,$and$performances.$I$ utilized$the$textbook$when$writing$my$theatre$responses,$which$ were$also$carefully$crafted$and$thought$out.$I$didn’t$take$my$ previous$knowledge$in$theatre$for$granted,$as$I$was$exposed$to$so$ many$different$new$art$forms,$such$as$Noh$Drama,$Kabuki,$Peking$ Opera,$Puppet$Theatre,$Story$Telling$Theatre,$and$Vaudeville.$With$ my$enthusiasm$and$effort$in$mind,$I$think$I$would$ideally$deserve$an$ A$in$the$class,$and$realistically$an$AB$with$consideration$taken$for$ my$absences.$Missing$school$is$very$out$of$character$for$me,$and$I$ was/still$am$quite$sick,$and$every$day$has$been$a$challenge.$I$hope$to$ have$been$a$hardworking$and$receptive$student$as$much$as$I$could$ have.$