Embedded Files
Lighting can ruin a perfectly good production.
But, it can also elevate, enhance and invigorate performances that are compelling and dynamic.
While it is fun to look at the final product, the process is the key to a successful show--and to educating the next generation of theatre artists.
With over fifteen years of professional lighting experience, Mr. Haslanger is passionate about sharing the love of lighting with his students. He is able to bring his knowledge from megaevents at stadiums and the artistry and creativity that is required by producing shows with passionate people in old grocery stores and inspire high school students to pursue a career as storytellers, artists and advocats.
This page will walk you through some of the work that was done to produce Buckeye Union High School Theatre Company's 2023 production of "The Diary of Anne Frank."
For more information, feel free to check out the digital program we shared with our audiences! Junior, Maya Reyes worked hard to make sure each person who entered the theatre knew what was going on!
Research
Research
Past Production History
Past Production History
Past Production History
With two runs on Broadway (1955 and 1997) and a long and impressive list of regional, community theatre and educational theatre productions to it's name, The Diary of Anne Frank has an impressive history and is a story that generations of audiences are familiar with.
For additional thoughts about the production history, please click here.
Click here for a collection of research martials about past productions.
Period Styles
Period Styles
Period Styles
While it's easy to think about The Diary of Anne Frank as a piece about a family from a long time ago, the reality is that the fashion and style isn't THAT dramatically different than our own. Things were a bit more formal, buttoned up, and elegant than today's style, we wouldn't look twice if we saw the Franks or Van Daans walking down the street today.
Click here to see research materials of the style of the 1940's in Europe.
Informatoin about the Playwrights
Informatoin about the Playwrights
Playwright Information
The need to tell the story of Anne Frank and her family was obvious, but finding playwrights who were willing to tackle the subject matter was a challenge. Husband and wife team, Goodrich and Hackett stepped up to the plate and created a piece of theatre that would last for generations beyond them. Their penchant for writing for Hollywood is clearly on display in this script, with it's flowing narrative and conservative use of scene changes. Wendy Kesselman adapted the show years later, giving it a much stronger ending and adding depth to the relationships.
For more of my thoughts about the playwrights, please click here.
Learn more about these artists by clicking here to see the research.
History and Influences
History and Influences
History of Writing
Creating a piece of theatre answers the call of the moment it is in. While this show has a long history, it had two major "creation points." The first in 1955 when it premiered on Broadway and the second in 1997 when the revival took the Broadway stage. Both moments were significant in the history of our country. Between the Civil Rights movement in the 1950's and the changing geopolitical landscape of the 1990's, both eras needed historical perspective and a call to humanity.
For more of my thoughts about this historical importance of these productions, please click here.
Click here to see the research into what was happening in 1955.
Or
Click here to see the research into what was happening in 1997.
Script Analysis
Script Analysis
Digging into the Text
Digging into the Text
In order to make each moment on stage as impactful as possible, it is critical that we fully understand everything the script is offering us. To do this we must strip the script down to the essential elements and understand those mechanics.
Where?
Where?
With all the of the action of the play taking place in the Annex, it would be easy to forget about the larger context and the world outside that these characters once inhabited.
Here is a comprehensive analysis of any mention of place in the script.
When?
When?
The time period of almost any show is important, but especially in this production. Knowing if it is day or night is important, but it is also key to understand the way time moves in this show as well as the context of the time period.
Click here for an in-depth look at any discussion of time in the script.
Finally, this Action Chart can help understand the rise and fall of the story.
Character and Script Analysis
Character and Script Analysis
Click here for a comprehensive look at the character analysis, script analysis and a deeper understanding of how the world of the play influences the action of the story.
Character THoughts
Character THoughts
People love to talk about people! And, by looking at what the characters in this show are saying about each other--and themselves!--we can learn a great deal.
Please click here for a look at how the characters speak about themselves and each other.
Character Web
Character Web
Relationships matter. Relationships are what make humans interesting and they are what make characters on stage come to life.
Please click here to see how our characters in this show are related to each other.
Design Work
Design Work
Concept Statement
Concept Statement
There is no point in telling a story if you have nothing to say. Everybody on the team should be adding their artistic voice to the chorus of creativity.
Early on I discussed my Concept Statement with the ensemble to ensure that we were all singing the same song and moving in the same direction.
Ground Plans
Ground Plans
Everything starts with a plan. The set for our production of The Diary of Anne Frank was designed by a theatre student, Shyeli Smith (Senior). Shyeli worked with the Director to develop a look that would allow for movement, serve the script, and be visually interesting.
She produced a ground plan and front elevation.
We are very fortunate to have a relationship with one of the Technical Directors at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. He and Shyeli communicated via e-mail and he created construction drawings for us.
Visual Support
Visual Support
It is useful to have a handful of images to anchor oneself as the design process gets underway. Too often we get swept away in the chaos of each moment in the tech process that we forget the agreed upon vision.
Here is the set of images I was working with and referring back to throughout the process.
Preliminary Cue Synopsis
Preliminary Cue Synopsis
Once again, planning is key. Taking the time before getting into the theatre to think through how cues will work is an extramly helpful part of the process. Not only does it save valuable time programming, it also helps to identify any unique lighting needs that may have been overlooked as the plot was created.
Here are the preliminary cues that were planned for Act One of the show.
Magic Sheet
Magic Sheet
Time in tech rehearsals is precious. Whatever I can do to work faster and have a clear mind is so important. Using a magic sheet to keep track of information is a great way to speed up my process and leave room for creative thoughts rather than struggling to remember channel numbers.
The Plot
The Plot
In order to communicate to the crew--my students--what fixtures go where, I created a light plot. Not only does that allow for the students to load in the show, it also helps me anticipate any issues (sight lines, inventory, power supply, etc).
The SHow File
The SHow File
Lighting Design is a wonderful blending of artistry with logic, craft with math, and creativity with structure.
Looking at the show file tells a story through numbers. You can see the what lights are active, how they are being used, the timing and pace of the show, and on and on.
The Paperwork
The Paperwork
In an attempt to keep everything organized, communicate clearly, and have reliable records of the show, paperwork is created.
The Angels
The Angels
As part of the planning process, we must check to make sure the fixtures we're using will actually make the shot. While I generally have a pretty good sense of the photometrics of our units, it's helpful to double check!
Click the links below to see photometrics at work for this show.
Realization
Realization
It is considered uncouth to say that we work on theatre for the product--the process, after all, is what counts. And while the process yields tremendous growth, learning, and helps develop artistry, it is the product that the audience comes to see. And, it is the product that we are all striving to create.
Click here to see some of the photos and thoughts from the Buckeye Union High School Theatre Company's 2023 production of The Diary of Anne Frank.
No matter how successful the show, the thing that really matters is the teaching and the learning. A constant refrain of "how can we do better" and "what did we learn from that" pushes us to improve, to develop our skills, and to know what questions to ask next time.
Students learned to hang, focus, cable, address, patch, and turn on and off lighting fixtures during this show. They learned about lighting accessories (barn doors and top hats!) and they learned about the differences between conventional versus intelligent lighting. A student operated the board during hang and focus and we had a student board op during the performances. That student learned about lamping on and off moving lights, basic troubleshooting, and headset etiquette.
For almost every one of the students this semester, this was their very first time interacting with stage lighting. I'm pleased to report that several are eager to start opening up moving lights to see how they work, they are already working on getting a better understanding of power math (W=VA) and they are all clamering for the oppurtunity to be a board op for the next show!
Teaching THe Next Generation
Teaching THe Next Generation
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