Theater For DENNIS WRIGHT

AP4: DESIGNING A PRODUCTION

For this project, you will complete basic tasks that would be needed for the first production meeting where the conversation among the designers happens. Read the one-act “A Very Very Very Fine House” by Linda Chambers. Then, allow yourself a second reading while you visualize the production on a stage. Once you can “see” the production, answer the following questions, including references to lines (what actors say in the script) or to stage directions (items within parenthesis that the playwright provided in the script) along with page numbers to support your answers.

Sample question: What evidence is given that the relationship between the father and daughter is positive?

Sample answer: They enjoy interacting with one another. It is obvious that this is not the first time they’ve gone to an art museum together and that they have a routine of interpreting the paintings together. The father says, “Play the game, Ruth.”(Chambers, 2000, p. 2)

The Core of the Play

1. Other than their ages and relationships, what else do we know about the three characters? Refer to information gained through the script.

2. What is the central conflict in this one-act play? Is it resolved by the end of the play? Refer to information gained through the script.

3. What makes this play unusual or different? Refer to information gained through the script.

The Design of the Play

4. Scenic: Which items of furniture or scenery MUST be there for the play to work? Refer to information gained through the script.

5. Scenic: Based on the setting of this play, which additional items would help the audience know that this is a room in an art museum? [The script reference is not needed for this question. This is from your point of view, but it should be reasonable that the audience would recognize this as a room in an art museum; adding other people to the room is NOT scenic design.]

6. Costuming: We know that the “spirit” of Helen is dressed in farm clothing to match the painting’s setting. How can the design let the audience know that she is a spirit? [The script reference is not needed for this question. This is from your point of view, but it must be reasonable that the audience would understand that Helen is a spirit and not a living person in the play.]

7. Costuming: How would you dress Jim? Be specific in the descriptions (include colors) and defend your choices with information gained through the script.

8. Costuming: How would you dress Ruth? Be specific in the descriptions (include colors) and defend your choices with information gained through the script.

9. Props: Are there any props (items handled by actors) that are required in this play? Refer to information gained through the script.

10. Props: Are there any props that you would add? Why or why not? [The script reference is not needed for this question. This is from your point of view, but it should be reasonable that any additional prop would be carefully chosen and would add to the overall production.]

Grading Criteria for the Application Project

AP criteria (total 200 points)