Due by Friday, Nov. 3rd at 11pm (CT)
In our course textbook Chapter 5 covers the work of designers and technicians and Chapter 5
covers the work of directors. Both chapters offer some excellent explanations of the processes
artists in these categories explore but we want to give you a chance at trying some of the
creative explorations related to these topics. The intent is to challenge you to think creatively
within each of the disciplines of technical theatre and directing.
This assignment asks you to experience the work of the designer/technician in the first section
and the work of the director in the second section. The entire assignment should be between 2
to 4 pages in length. The entire assignment requires that you read a short play that can be
found at:
Hole by Stephen Bittrich – http://stephenbittrich.com/plays/oneacts/Hole_10MinutePlay.html
You might also find it useful to take a second to Google the playwright and learn about their
work and other projects.
REVIEW THE COURSE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY IN THE SYLLABUS. This will be submitted
via SafeAssign and any document in violation of the policy (having improper or lacking citations,
overt similarities to other works, copying, facilitating, improper consultation) will result in the
policy being strictly enforced.
Section #1- The Designer and Technician
We’re asking you to create a conceptual design treatment in which you will address the design
elements of a play. Using the assigned short play, you will address your design of the following
areas:
A. Scenic Design
B. Costume Design
C. Lighting Design
D. Sound Design
These areas are covered in detail in Ch. #5 of your text.
Write a brief description for each design area of how you would conceive a production of the
play. Offer justifications of why you are making the choices you are making. Be creative! Decide
if you want to establish a realistic or fantastical production. Be specific about time period and
locations you are trying to capture. Allow yourself to imagine some different and original ways
you might design the play. Think about what you might want to see if you went to a production
of the play but DO NOT dismiss the actual NEEDS required by the play. You can also include a
©JW Morrissette. All Rights Reserved. 2
treatment of the other areas of design such as make-up, special effects and/or masks (if those
fit your concept).
Remember:
• Be creative. Don’t get stuck worrying about being “right”, allow yourself to explore
creativity based on the given circumstances of the play.
Section #2- The Director
Offer a treatment of how you would direct a staged production of the assigned play. You are
asked to do so by addressing the following:
1. What do you think the purpose of your production might be?
2. Who do you believe to be the intended audience for your production?
3. What story, moral, or lesson might be shared through your production?
4. Are there any original interpretations you feel would be important to your vision?
5. Offer a description of what type of actors you would cast in the roles in the show.
6. Using the work you did in Section #1 The Designer and Technician and offer a view of
how you, as the director, would use the design choices to support your interpretation of
the central conflict of the play.
7. Outline a potential rehearsal schedule for your production. How much time would you
need to rehearse the play? What types of things might you be doing in those rehearsals?
(Consult Ch. 6 of your text, particularly the photo essay, for some ideas of what
directors do in rehearsals.)
