Design Intent
For Holes' set, we have decided on a more intimate arrangement that instead of focusing on realism, draws emphasis to the main character's feelings and journey throughout. Additionally, this same concept will reflect the audience's journey to understand Stanley and his family history. In the play, scenery and general setting vibe remains consistent aside from various flashbacks. For this reason we will be taking a more abstract approach to the set design of Holes. Stanley's personal journey of taking responsibility is a frequent theme. When he first arrives at camp green lake, he feels lost and ostracized. In addition, the audience knows very little about Stanley as a person or the 'curse' he talks about. The set will reflect this by appearing more barren. However, as the play progresses and Stanley begins to piece together his family's history while creating meaningful connections with the other boys, the set will gain more depth. For example, the mountain will not be on the set for the duration of the play. The first time it is introduced in the recounting of Stanley's ancestor's mistake, it will be brought on the stage and then left in the background. Although not present in the characters current lives until the end, it will remain a consistent reminder that the story is becoming more complex and Stanley is on the precipice of change.
Stage type : Research and Reasoning
Thrust stages create a more intimate connection with the audience than a proscenium, while still remaining more detached than an arena. Our goal in this production is to show Stanley's journey while interweaving it with the knowledge of his history. That is why this middle ground is perfect for Holes.
General Sketches
Lighting and Ambiance
The set will, at times, become complicated with the abundance of props present. We plan to focus the audience's attention with the use of spotlights. Not only will this allow us to keep a complex background while having a single focus, but it will add to the intimate and soul-searching feeling of the play as a whole. Harsh angles and warm lighting will highlight the wild and barren feeling of the play. The unforgiving nature of the desert increases the struggles that the boys at camp Green lake have to endure. Throughout the play they will battle these sharp angles and blinding sunlight in situations like digging holes and climbing the mountain.
Research
The inspiration behind the car scene was originally taken from the train scene in The Music Man. This involves chairs in a row and the car being pantomimed.
After doing research on the existing Holes plays, the mountain being a prevalent background seemed like a great idea to reinforce the setting.
In The Phantom of the Opera, spotlights were used frequently to emphasize focus on characters as well as make them seem isolated, this concept works amazingly for our interpretation of Holes.