Date of Award

1989

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Theatre

First Advisor

Suzanne Mills

Second Advisor

Niki Juncker

Third Advisor

Ann Canale

Abstract

"Dark Star: A Director's Commentary on Directing a New Script" by Barry D. Wall is a Master of Fine Arts thesis documenting the comprehensive process of staging an original theatrical production. The project centers on Dark Star, a previously unproduced play by Missouri playwright George Hickenlooper, inspired by the life of poet Sara Teasdale. Wall's objective was to explore the collaborative and interpretive challenges inherent in directing a new script, from initial selection and playwright collaboration to final performance.

The thesis is structured in four chapters—pre-production, analysis, production, and post-production. It begins with Wall’s rationale for choosing an unproduced script, emphasizing the creative freedom and developmental opportunities it provides. The pre-production phase discusses script selection, casting, and the early collaboration with Hickenlooper, including script revisions and securing literary permissions.

In the analysis phase, Wall utilizes the frameworks of Francis Hodge and Harold Clurman to examine character motivations, scene structures, and thematic elements. He explores how Teasdale’s biography intersects with the fictionalized narrative, guiding actor preparation and directorial choices. The production chapter details the rehearsal process, design collaboration, and performance challenges, highlighting technical limitations and creative problem-solving within the Downstage Theatre environment.

The final chapter offers a reflective post-mortem, including feedback from faculty, cast, and the playwright. The work also includes appendices such as the original and revised scripts, costume sketches, production photos, and program layouts.

This thesis serves as both a personal artistic exploration and a practical guide to directing a new theatrical work. It emphasizes the educational value of live collaboration with playwrights, the adaptive demands of low-budget student theatre, and the enduring relevance of historical and biographical material in contemporary stagecraft.

Download

Share

COinS