Date of Award

2017

First Advisor

Wesley Brown

Second Advisor

Karen Beaumont

Abstract

This thesis is a reflection on the year-and-a-half-long process of writing, directing, performing in, and producing the play Brothers that was performed on December 9th and 10th in the Black Box Theater in the Daniel Arts Center. The idea for Brothers was first conceived as fragmented scenes written throughout Playwrighting II/III. This first draft was both comedic and campy in tone. As I developed my characters and plot, focusing on toxic relationships, bullying and suicidal behavior, my play transitioned into a drama. Although the characters and plot were inspired largely by my own life and work at Simon’s Rock, the technical aspects of my scenes were largely influenced by my coursework at the National Theater Institute, including two weeks in London, in which we watched, read, heard, and created theater everyday. Back at Simon’s Rock, I finished the play. Fall semester 2016 was dedicated to staging and rehearsing the play. Through trial and error, I learned how to direct and manage a cast. I learned that theatre is truly a living art affected by variables beyond one’s control: intended stage props had to be abandoned, losing half the cast due to academic pressures, and recreating characters based on the new actors’ sensibilities and styles. Yet, I took pride in our rehearsal work and the performances, witnessing my actors work in concert towards a goal that had been a frantic few months in the making.

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