This thesis is documentation of my efforts to define my process as actor in creating the roles of Harriet and Kate in An Experiment With an Air Pump. The document includes research, character analysis, development of the roles, rehearsal journal, and an evaluation of my performance. An Experiment With an Air Pump was produced by the University of New Orleans Department of Film, Theatre, and Communication Arts. The play was performed in the Robert E. Nims Theatre of the Performing Arts Center at 7:30 pm on November 4 through 6 and November 11 through 13, and at 2:30 pm on November 14. The play was also submitted as the University of New Orleans entry in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. It was performed at the Louisiana State Theatre Festival on November 17 at 1 p.m.

Using Joseph Wright's painting, An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump as an inspirational starting point, Shelagh Stephenson's An Experiment with an Air Pump explores the depth of human existence using universal conflicts such as: morals versus ethics, science versus God and right versus wrong. Since the play's premiere in 1998, it has provided a forum for hot button topics such as stem cell research, abortion, and scientific experimentation. The University of New Orleans' production not only presented the issues in the play, it strives to be an example of theatrical excellence, challenge and engage both the company and the audience.