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ETD Abstract Container

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Bigger, Brighter, Faster, Funnier: Costume Design for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Middleton, Stephanie Rayna
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1247353191

Abstract Details

2009, MFA, Kent State University, College of the Arts / School of Theatre and Dance.
I propose to design the costumes for Porthouse Theatre’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart) in the summer 2009 season. The written portion of this thesis project will examine a variety of challenges in the process. Director Terri Kent says “One of Broadway's greatest farces, this show takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time-tested, 2000-year old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with the infectious energy of classic vaudeville. The result is a non-stop laugh fest”. Ms. Kent has an eclectic and postmodern vision for the production which will require unifying historical garments and silhouettes with contemporary elements in a way that supports the comedic nature of this show. The costumes will be built and/or modified specifically for this production; pulled from stock; and rented from at least five regional sources. The greatest design challenge will be unifying costumes from so many sources into a cohesive look for this show. I will be incorporating costumes with vibrant colors and bold lines to make costumes as lively as the action itself. The physicality of this comedy will also add a challenge in terms of working closely with the choreographer, director and ensuring maximum mobility for actors.This production will allow me to further explore and develop my own design process and develop my communication and collaborative skills, as I work with a professional production design team on which I am the only student. I will also refine my time management and organizational skills as I will be completing all research, selection of costume sources and designs for this production during the spring 2009 semester while finishing my MFA classes. During this time I will be working with my advisor, Professor Suzy Campbell and costume shop supervisor, Robin Ruth, to develop a production calendar and make design choices that allow the Porthouse costume shop to begin work in timely manner, and produce quality aesthetics.
Sharon Campbell, MFA (Advisor)
Cynthia Stillings, MFA (Committee Member)
Eric van Baars, MFA (Committee Member)
98 p.
Theater
costume; Forum; musical; Sondheim

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Middleton, S. R. (2009). Bigger, Brighter, Faster, Funnier: Costume Design for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1247353191

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Middleton, Stephanie. Bigger, Brighter, Faster, Funnier: Costume Design for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. 2009. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1247353191.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Middleton, Stephanie. "Bigger, Brighter, Faster, Funnier: Costume Design for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1247353191

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.