2010/2011

Creative Work: Playwright & Production Director

Scholarly Equivalency - Refereed Article

Hart's Contribution as Playwright/Production Director

The role of a playwright is to tell relatable entertaining stories that fit inside a theatrical structure and have artistic and commercial merit.

With a 22 year career as a playwright and director of plays written for child actors performing for family audiences, the production of "Hot Fun in the Summer Time" was a thrilling play to write. Inspired by events and situations I witnessed amongst campers over the years, I was mindful to consider the varying ages of the audience members when constructing the story, creating the characters and music lyrics.

With regard to process, in the initial stages I collaborated with the musical director to create the lyrics and musical story structure. Thereafter I developed a draft of the script prior to the production and once the cast was selected I was able to make edits and incorporate ideas from the child actors. Once the final 90 minute full length script was completed a full cast read through was held and thereafter the rehearsal process began.

In my role as the production director I created the rehearsal schedule and conducted daily rehearsals with the actors. In addition, I held production meetings with the design team to make decisions regarding how to best capture the look, tone and mood of the play. Lastly, in collaboration with the design team I managed the tech process in preparation for the public event.

Hart's contribution as playwright made to achieve the goals of creating a production reflecting artistic and commercial merit for "Hot Fun in the Summer Time" include:

• Conduct ethnological and anthropological research to aide with developing the story line and characters
• Write and edit multiple drafts of the play script
• Write music lyrics and collaborate with music director on the flow and structure of the story as told through music
• Produce final script for production execution

Hart's directorial contributions made to achieve the goals of creating a production reflecting artistic and commercial merit for "Hot Fun in the Summer Time" include:

• Train students in fundamental theatre/directing techniques
• Guidance and instruction that reflect high standards and industry protocol
• In collaboration with the set designer determine the best use of the theatre space
• Collaborate with the musical director
• Guide and collaborate with the artistic/design team (set/costume/lighting and sound scape) to visually actualize the physical environment and atmosphere of the play
• Analyze the script for its structure and themes
• Assess, interpret and actualize the physical and verbal action of the play
• Cast the play
• Plan for and manage rehearsals that provide adequate time for actors and the design and production teams to achieve their individual goals
• Conduct rehearsals to construct blocking that reflect the plays tempo and help actors to discover and reveal a characters psychological truth
• In collaboration with the design team, manage technical rehearsals to solidify and clarify all light and sound cues and final design decisions
• Collaborate with the marketing and PR team

Photos Below: Performance photos and video of camper interview