: Reflecting on Acting, Directing, the Set, and Costumes in Relation to Theme and Premise In this essay, you will analyze the directing choices, acting, scenic design, and costume design along with the directors premise used in . You should incorporate the concepts introduced in the Set and Costumes units. How does the directorial choice of casting Frankenstein’s monster as a woman change the meaning? This is in a thrust theatre, how does the scenic design create the world of a play where the characters flowing scenic changes as we view the world from each main characters point of view. What did the costumes tell you about each character or group of characters? Your essay should have a thesis statement that articulates the theme of the play and how these elements support that theme. Ryan Patrick Welsh Think about the differences between live theatre and film or television. Do you tend to binge watch one-hour television shows? Think about what you expect to see. When you arrive at the theater take time to look through the program you were given. Make a mental note of the characters in the show. Read the Directors Notes and the Dramaturg Notes. Take
a look at the Set onstage. What do you see that peeks your curiosity? What does the Set tell us about the play you are about to see? Think about how the acting illuminates the objectives and emotions of the characters. You may wish to bring a notebook and pen to take notes on specific details. (Please do not take notes on your phone or tablet, as the light will be distracting for other audience members.) Use your program to help you remember characters’ names. Think about how the costumes help you understand the characters? Do they support the theme of the play? Do they tell you something about the development of the plot? Write a cogent essay in which you make an argument about the theme and/or premise of , and how the directing, acting, the set and costumes support that theme. Be sure to write a clear thesis statement expressing an active theme/mood/premise. You can use your introductory paragraph to express how the story was familiar or unfamiliar to you. Use specific evidence from the show to support your ideas. Be sure to link your evidence to your overall thesis; the best way to do this is to write a strong topic sentence for each paragraph.