Lighting Design

I have decided to create a basic and conceptual lighting design for a play that I wrote myself. The title of the play is, Crestview High: Love A Man Or Lose A Friend. This story is about two friends who are constantly competiting with each other. Upon their arrival to school for a new school year, they come across a guy that instantly catches both of their eyes. Throughout the play they constantly try to bring each other down in order to win the heart of the new guy. Unfortunately by the end of the story, news is revealed that does not seem to favor neither friend and no one ends up with the guy. They then realize how fool their actions were and vow never to allow a man to come in between their friendship.

The lighting design for this story will be very vibrant and light. Majority of the story takes place at school on a bright, sunny day. Therefore it is only right that the lights and how I showcase them compliment the set design. I feel like the entire play doesn't not have to be vibrant. Since there are acts where there is some tension going on, I think the lighting should grow a little dark. Lights with a splash of color should represent the sunny, energetic day that the two friends experience and dim, gloomy lights should reflect their arguing and competitivness. The diferent colors such as, green, blue and yellow should be exhibted when acts are taking place outside. maybe a dark blu or grey when hallway scenes are taking place. When the arguments occur, fiery red or maybe pitch black with just a spotlight on the actors would look awesome.

The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta

The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta is one of the major regional theatre company's in the world. It is a prestigious company located in Atlanta, Georgia. This company staged its first production in 1968, whick was King Arthur. Since 1968 the Alliance Theatre has been working with local, national and international communities to become one of the dominant and leading theatres in America. In 2007 the company recieved the Regional Theatre Tony Award for exceptional achievement. The mission of the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta is as follows:

" As the premier theatre of the Southeast, the Alliance Theatre sets the highest artistic standards, creating the powerful experience of shared theatre for diverse people".

The Alliance Theatre is known for launching award winning hits such as, The Color Purple and Aida. Both productions are Tony Award winning shows. Throughout the years this company has produced well over 65 premieres. When Kenny Leon was the artistic director in 1988, the company began a period of diversification and growth. Leon's work attracted the African American audience by staging a more diverse selection of productions. Susan V. Booth is a major figure in the company that appeared in 2007. She is the artistic director. Susan V. Booth has helped the Alliance bring the world's best resources to Atlanta, Georgia. This company is dedicated and committed to extending theatre to both adults and youth in a way that reflects the community.

The Alliance Theatre have been producing since 1968 and is the leading professional resident theatre of the Southeast. The theatre offers 10 productions annually. They reach out to almost 200,000 patrons and community members annually. Its nationally recognized Kendada Graduate Playwrighting Competition is a perfect example of its committment to reach out. This an intense program that introduces student playwrights to professional networks while premiering the winners work. The Alliance Theatre offers extensive education programs such as the Institute for Educators.

The 770-seat Alliance stage gives the audience the opportunity to experience life enhancing Broadway musicals, dramas, great comedies and theatre classics. In addition to the numerous Tony Theatre Awards awarded to the Alliance Theatre, they have been presented an abundant amount of other awards and grants. Some awards that recognize this company consist of: The Elliot Norton Award, Suzi Bass Award, YMCA 2000 racial justice award, and the Barbara Salisbury Willis Award. All of these awards plus many more were awarded for the company's diligence, committment and determination to spread theatre in a diverse manner.

People interested have the chance to experience The Alliance Theatre behind the scenes through their Internship Program. They offer a rich and challenging opportunity for qualified college students who arepursuing careers in the theatre field. The internships provide hands on experiences and make it possible to refine their practical and critical thinking skills. Alliance requires that each prospective intern is mature, self-reliant, articulate and have a true passion for theatre. Actors interested in being a part of the production family shouldalso consider the Alliance Theatre. Auditions are constantly being held. General and specific show auditions are conducted to give all types of talent to be a part of speading diverse theatre.

What I find interesting about the Alliance Theatre of Atlanta is that they have been going strong for many years. They have many accomplishments and achievements that will inspire anybody. They strive to reach out to everyone of all races and ages. Spreading diversity is very important to this alliance and it inspire myself to help spread it through my own talents.

Lights, Cameras, BROADWAY!

WHAT IS BROADWAY ?

Broadway is a theatrical performane that is presented in the 40 large professional theaters in Manhattan, New York City. Broadway theatre is said to represent the highest level of commercial theatre in the English-speaking world. The Broadway theatre district is very popular for tourists in New York. In 2008-09 Broadway shows sold approximately $943.3 million worth of tickets. There are many shows playing on Broadway today that express different themes and life stories. Here is a list of a few popular shows currently playing:

• The Lion King
• Hair
• Chicago
• God of Carnage
• Jersey Boys
• A Raisin in the Sun
• Mamma Mia

HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Broadway theater tickets can be purchased numerous of ways. There are convenient , cheap ways and there are some very risky ways also. If you have knowledge of the theater world you can save tons of money. You can buy Broadway tickets in person directly from the theatre box office. This is one of the cheapest and most safe ways especially when you buy them in advance. You also eliminate service fees that would normally be charged if ordering via telephone or online. Another option is to buy tickets by telephone. However, this option comes along with service fees because many shows are handled by Ticketmaster or Telecharge. The average service charges range from $5 to $10.

Purchasing online is sometimes more expensive especially if you are not buying from Ticketmaster. Other agencies which are called Ticket brokers sales have a higher fee, sometime 40% or more. The only benefit that they can often have tickets that Ticketmaster may have sold out of. The most risky method of buying Broadway tickets is purchasing from a Ticket scalper. The scalpers hang arpound outside of theatres trying to sell you tickets. It is recommended that you never buy from a scalper. It is too much of a risk that the ticket could be stolen or forged. If you do decide to purchase from them anyway, more than likely it will be very expensive.

WHAT'S HOT!

Currently one of the hottest shows on Broadway is Chicago. I've been fortunate to see Chicago on film but has never seen it live. One review of this musical said, "it was a great musical, entertaining, and surprisingly funny". I am a big fan of the jazz era so I found the costumes and music to be delightful from watching the film. I can only imagine how intrigued I would be to witness it all on stage.

Another musical playing on Broadway that is a huge hit is Next to Normal. This is a rock musical based on a book by Brian Yorkey. Its story concerns a mother who struggles with a bi polar disorder that is gradually worsening. Other issues in the musical is suicide, grieving a loss, drug abuse and suburban life. I believe this musical is rapidly becoming popular because many people go through issues like this. According to reviews Next to Normal is intense and a must see!

The Phantom of the Opera became the longest running Broadway musical with 7,486 performances. Before then Cats held the titel. this musical ran for 18 years before it closed due to declining audiences. The Phantom of the Opera won 7 Tony awards and Cats scored numerous awards for its outstanding status.

My Favorite Musical: The Sound of Music

Growing up I was introduced to a musical that I found very interesting and I instantly fell in love with it. The Sound of Music has so much depth and history behind it. Anything that wasn't animated that caught my attention at such a young age, I knew had to be awesome. The Sound of Music is a musical based on Maria von Trapp. It is directed by Robert Wise. The music is by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein. Hammerstein is also known for Broadway hits The King and I and Carousel.

Popular songs that were featured in the musical include, "The Sound of Music", "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" and "My Favorite Things". These songs arenow used in commercials and other forms of advertisement. One song that I knew as a child was "Do-Re-Mi". This was before I watched the musical. Once I heard the song on the musical it felt good to already know it and learning where it actually came from. The original Broadway production opened in November 1959. Mary Martin and Theodore Bikel starred in it. In 1965 Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer starred in the Academy Award-winning film made from the musical.

Some background information of The Sound of Music dates back to 1923. The musical is based on the 1956 film and book based on the von Trapp family. Maria von Trapp and her family faced numerous of hardships in their journey of escape from the Nazis. The musical is generally based on the first section of The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. There were many alterations and omissions. Maria came to the von Trapp family as a tutor for only one child. She was not a governess to all of them. The family also traveled to Italy, not Switzerland when they escaped. They also traveled by train. They did not climb mountains with tons of luggage. I believe the producers decided to alter certain events to make it more appealing to viewers.

The Sound of Music produced 1,443 perfomances between 1959 and 1963. It first opened on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne. Three million copies of the original cast album were sold. The original cast consisted of 7 very dynamic artists that helped this musical win prestigious awards such as the Tony Award and Academy awards. The original cast included Mary Martin, Theodore Bikel, Kurt Kasznar, Lauri Peters, Marion Marlowe, Patricia Neway and Brian Davies.
The musical won Tony awards for the following catergories: Best Musical, Best Actress, Best Featured Actress, Best Scenic Design and Best Director. I found this amazing that so many viewers respected The Sound of Music this much. As I grew up and became more aware of world history, I began to appreciate the musical alot.

My favorite musical number from The Sound of Music is called "My Favorite Things". In the musical the lyrics to the song are a reference to things Maria loves such as 'raindrops on roses and warm woolen mittens'. These are the things she selects to fill her mind with when times are bad. The beautiful winter time imagery of some of the lyrics has made this song popular during the Christmas season and it is often featured on holiday themed albums, although the musical takes place during the summer.

Set Design

After writing my original play Crestview High: Love A Man or Lose A Friend I decided to create a set for it. The entire play take place on the campus of Crestview High School.

The first image represents the bus stop that Ashley and Courtney used in the morning to get to school. this is where the opening act takes place.

The second image is basically just an overview to give the viewer an idea of what Crestview High looks like. It is an overall layout of the campus to give someone the basic structural concept.

Image number 3 and 4 is where the mystery boy Ashley and Courtney are both after is revealed. The teacher asks him to introduce himself to the class and Shawn gives a brief introductory.

After class is over Ashley exits and catches up with Shawn in the stairwell (image 5) and introduces herself. She then offers to show him around and they proceed into the hallway (image 6) where they are eventually approached by Courtney.

Image 7, 8 and 9 are just basic area in the school that are passed throughout the remainder of the play. During the arguements and the resolution these set designs are used

The last image is the resolution. After the climax and the friends resolve their issues, they have a seat outside and hug each other.

Crestview High: Love A Man or Lose A Friend

*It began on a breezy summer day. School was back in session and Courtney was eager to see old friends and possibly some new faces. Courtney and her bestfriend Ashley made their way to Crestview High anticipating their exciting day.

Court: Oh my gosh Ash! I wonder if there will be any cute boys this year. Lord knows I need to be surrounded by someone new.

Ash: (laughs) Now, now, now Courtney. Everyone knows that you couldn't snag a cute boy if you hooked him on a fishing pole. Girl you don't have game!

Court: (Grrrr) Yea right Ashley! I have game. I bet you could get a cute boy. (sigh) If only Crestview offered somebody that met my standards.

Ash: Well hopefully God will work some kind of miracle by time we arrive at school.

Court: (shaking her head) Yes I know, but that would be too much like the right thing to do. We shall see.

*Arrives at school. The sun is shining all across the campus and just as they expected and hoped, there were new faces all over. However, there was one new irresistable face that caught the attention of Courtney and Ashley.

Ash: Holy crap! Who the hell is that?

Court: You took the words right out of my mouth!

Ash: Oh gosh Courtney, I saw him first.

Court: No you did not, I did. You always do this Ash.

Ash: Excuseeeeeee me. I always do what? Last time I checked I said "Holy crap! Who the hell is that" first!

Court: MMmmmHmmm whatever! Just know that he's mine. I wonder who he is? Is he single? Does he like me? Oh gosh Im in love.

Ash: Girl please pick your jaw up off the ground.

Court: Give me until the end of the day. I bet I'll know everything about him even his blood type.

Ash: (laughing) okay stalker. Have a good day!

* Both girls depart with one thing on their mind. Who is the new guy in town and how can they snag him first?
(Bell rings)

Ash: Sheesh I made it to class just in the knick of time.

Teacher: Good morning class. I hope everyone has had a wonderful vacation. now it is time to get back to the academics. I believe we have a new student here at Crestview. Will you please stand and introduce yourself?

Shawn: Ummm hey everyone. My name is Shawn and I just moved here from New York to play basketball for Crestview.

Ash: (gasp and mumbles) Thats the boy from this morning. i didn't even see him when I walked in.

Teacher: Okay thanks for sharing with the class Shawn. I hope everyone will reach out to Shawn and help his transition to Crestview very smooth.

Ash: (sigh) I must have Shawn but how will I keep him away from Courtney?


*Class ends and the students exit the room.

Ash: Hey Shawn! wait up.

Shawn: Umm hey (holds out his hand for a handshake)

Ash: Hey my name is Ashley. Just wanted to introduce myself.

Shawn: (chuckles) that was very nice.This school is pretty big. I hope I don't get lost.

Ash: Well if you want I can give you a little tour before our next class starts.

Shawn: That would be awesome. Thanks

*As Shawn and Ashley walk around the halls of Crestview High, Ashley feels like she is sitting on top of the world. Her emotional high is instantly interrupted when they unexpectedly runs into her bestfriend Courtney.

Court: Hey Ash wait up! Oh my gosh. Ash is with my man.

Ash: Ugh! Here comes Courtney. Please do not mind my bestfriend Shawn. She's pretty crazy.

Shawn: (laughs) okay.

*Courtney approaches them

Court: Umm Ash who is your friend?

Ash: (mumbles) Court this is Shawn. He's new here. Shawn this is my friend Courtney.

Court: Nice to meet you Shawn. If you would like I would be happy to show you around.

Ash: Excuse me Court but before we were rudely interrupted, thats what I was doing.

Court: Oh well excuse me. Let me not interrupt you any longer. Shawn why don't you just take my number down just in case you have any unanswered questions about Crestview. I'll be more than happy to help you out.

Shawn: Okay I guess that would be great. You two are being very helpful. I really appreciate it.
Ash: Well since I'm already showing you around why don't I just give you my number. Courtney don't you have somewhere to go?

Court: Ash why do you keep trying to brush me off? All I'm trying to do is be helpful to Shawn. Chill out please.

Ash: (laughs) Can you excuse us for a minute Shawn?

*Pulls Courtney to the side.

Ash: What the hell are you doing? I told you Shawn was mine!

Court: And I told you that he was mine! I saw him first Ashley. Stop being a slut and back off!

Ash: (screaming) I cannot believe we are actually sitting here arguing over a boy. I saw him first so you need to just give up!!!

*Shawn overhears the entire conversation and immediately comes over to intervene

Shawn: Whoa Whoa Whoa! What is going on over here?

Court: Nothing at all. Just a little misunderstanding. It is all taken care of now. Ashley had a hard time comprehending a few things but we're cool now.

Ash: What the hell Courtney. You cannot be serious!

Shawn: I couldn't help but to overhear your conversation. It seems like both of you like me but honestly I'm not into females. Im a homosexual. I only date guys. Sorry if I leaded you two on the wrong way. Maybe I should get to my last class.

Court: Oh wow! I feel like we both just got smacked in the face. I was not expecting that from him.

Ash: You and me both. I can't believe we were ready to ruin our friendship over a boy. It never should've went this far.

Court: I agree. I apologize. Boys should be the last thing that we are concerned about right now. I should be trying to get focused with my school work. Never again bestfriend!

Ash: Never again.

*The bell rings and Courtney and Ashley hurries on to their next class.

THE END.

Romeo and Juliet Costume Designs

I have a strong passion for fashion. I love all the different aspects of is so I decided to conceive a basic conceptual costume design for the major characters of Romeo and Juliet. Having the advantage to use images from the internet caught my interest and I was eager to get started on this project.

Romeo and Juliet is one of William Shakespeares most famous plays. I t takes place in 1595 in the city of Verona. Two families, the Montagues and Capulets each have a member that are attracted to one another. This causes alot of confusion and it also sparks sneaky, and conniving actions, which results in a tragic ending.

This play is the most famous love story in literature. The theme of Romeo and Juliet is particuarly love. The intense passion that is developed between Juliet and Romeo explains why they decided to turn against their families so they can be together. With the help of close friends, servants and fooling those that did not condone, they both defy their familes. Important characters that was involved in the brutal, powerful love was Mercutio, Frair Lawerence and the Nurse.

Romeo will do whatever it takes to marry Juliet. Unfortunately that was his fate. I chose to pick an outfit that had the color red in it to symbolize Romeo's death. I also included a sword to his costume because he needs it to defend himself.

Juliet is such an innocent girl that has fallen deeply in love with someone that she is strictly forbidden to see. Her innocence and determination for love unfortunately lead to death also. I chose an two outfits for her. One is blue to symbolize her innocence and red for another outfit to symbolize her intense love for Romeo and her fate which is death. I included a dagger in her costume because this is the object that ends her life.

Mercutio is a prankster that constantly jokes and does not believe in romantic love. I thought his outfit should be colorful, lively and vivid to compliment his personality.

Friar Lawerence is

very kind hearted and is on Romeo and Juliet's side. He marries them and gives good advice. He is a major figure in religion and he has ulterior motives. He marries the two in hopes that it might end the civil strife in Verona. I chose to give him an outfit that was mostly black to symbolize the mysterious side of him. He kinda fades into the background without anyone knowing what he is really up to.

The Nurse in Romeo and Juliet is Juliet's only dependably person that knows what she is really up to. She keeps Juliet whereabouts completely confidential and she jokes about the matter frequently. I chose a basic white nurses uniform.

An Important Playwright: Tyler Perry

An Important playwright that is very influential to theater is Tyler Perry. Every person has a story to explain their journey to success. Tyler Perry was oncejobless, penniless and homeless. Now he has made well over $50 million in writing and producing plays for the urban theater community. He was unhappy growing up in a poverished enviornment. The only way he knew how to share his story was to write down everything that was happening in his journal. While writing in his journal he decided to change the names of the characters for descretion purposes. That is how his first play I Know I've Been Changed was developed.





What I find most appealing about Tyler Perry is his struggle to reach success and thru all the obstacles he faced, he continued to have faith to accomplish his goals. In the beginning Perry had to get a great amount of odd jobs to help finance his first couple ofplays because he wasn't getting the kind of results that he expected. His artistic work can be best described as morality plays. They are filled with morality lessons such as, infidelity, alclohol and drug abuse, and domestic violence. What i find interesting about his plays is that he tries to contribute his childhood and the urban enviornment he was once surrounded by to tell a story. I think his plays is so intense because he can relate to the urban aspect of them. Not only does he write his material but he actually plays certain characters. Perry often wears drag and plays his best known character Madea. He also plays other characters such as people who are reminiscent of his father.





I find his work inspiring because I can relate to some of the lessons taught with my personal life. I've had my share of family issues and getting my heart broken in past relationships. I grew up with a childhood somewhat similar to Tyler Perry. I was raised in an urban enviornment by a single mother who worked hard to provide for her family. growing up in that kind of enviornment gives me a better understand and much respect when watching his work. Tyler Perry has become the most bankable African American.He repeatedly references his admiration and respect to African American women as a foundation of his work. He creates modern day fairy tales for women. Majority of his plays a woman experiences abandonment or some form of domestic violence from a bad man. She then experiences a significant moment of change and the outcome is usually happy because she usually settles down with a good man who contributes to her better life. I respect Perry alot because I myself am an African American woman and when I watch his plays I feel like they are speaking to me.

His journey to success has showed me that anything is possible when you aquire diligence and determination. I admire how he never gave up on his dream to be an outstanding playwright and because he never gave in, he is now an important theater artist. I look forward to more plays in the future. I will always be a dedicated fan.