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This paper is meant to serve as a reflection and observation of the author's work costume designing Temple University's production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare. The paper will walk the reader through the design process of the production from inception, through execution and to the final product. The paper will also reflect on the author's personal goals during the three years spent pursing Master of Fine Arts in Theatre. / Theater

"Construction is the art of making a meaningful whole out of many parts. Buildings are witnesses to the human ability to construct concrete things. I believe that the real core of all architectural work lies in the art of construction. At the point in time when concrete materials are assembled and erected, the architecture we have been looking for becomes part of the real world." -Peter Zumthor The human experience of construction is the subject of this thesis. Through study of the materials, methods and tools of constructing, this work aims to reveal the nature of building through form, materials and detail. / Master of Architecture

This Project concludes in a folio of drawings. The object of study is a renewal of Blacksburg’s old Town Hall on Church Street. The proposed new program for the existing structure is a studio theatre, addition and working areas. The fundamental purpose of this project is to renew Blacksburg’s vision of "Theatre" through the building and use of a small theatre house. Suggesting to completely change what is now thought of, but rarely considered, as a local cultural icon almost automatically brings high level of local conservative scrutiny. The wonderful instance about this project is that by merely suggesting a renewal of this magnitude could spur an incredible debate from the word, "Action." The point is not that the entire production be reduced to a marketing stunt. The point is this: Building is, in part, a public spectacle which is charged by local levels of involvement. This spectacle component to building can be highlighted or subdued through several mediums, but the overarching message is the same. A projected future for the existing icon is a series of four theatres. The first, and foremost, theatre is the town itself. By covering the building, scaffolding and construction staging area with a veil, the existing structure is reduced to a larger-than-life object within the townscape. The new object rests on the platform of Blacksburg during its own construction stage. While not within the scope of this project, it is entirely legitimate that the veil itself could be designed through a local competition. The purpose is to gather curiosity by wrapping the building. The remaining three theatres are more explicit. The centerlined façade may be removed, revealing a covered entry similar to a typical stage set. The articulation of the walls, ceiling and floor resemble a much larger room with an acute perspectival illusion. This is the main street level entrance to the building. The new façade-room may also be used as a stage. The intersection in front of the building could be blocked off from vehicular traffic to provide house seating for a public performance. The Studio theatre is the main "stage" which could be used to facilitate a majority of productions. This abstract cubic space may be manipulated as the house manager and production director see fit. This space is surrounded by occupiable marginalized mechanical volumes. These volumes are for any equipment, or individuals, necessary to maintain the illusion of the theatre. The finished surfaces of the studio should be completely assembled from panels and modular. Every surface, at every moment, in the Studio may be changed. An addition lies directly adjacent to the Studio through a roll-up garage door. This two-story area provides work areas, and rehearsal space in addition to storage. This area may also be manipulated as the house manager and production director see fit. The finished floor of the addition is shared with the large public parking lot behind the existing building. This back lot is also shared with a number of local businesses, and one of Blacksburg’s underground streams. This bowl-like space is the lowest elevation near the town’s original sixteen squares. The back doors of the Shop are oversized to receive any large shipments or materials and/or equipment. When completely open, these two sixteen foot high doors double as a proscenium stage. The pair of doors, in cooperation with an overhead canopy, resembles a typical theatre stage opening. This stage could be used for less formal occasions. It has been worthwhile to remember that a studio theatre type depends on maintaining a high level of abstract qualities, tremendous versatility and the ability to have the performance an the audience on the same level. The inherent difficulty is that a useful theatre space tends to find values and orientations that carry it away from total abstractness and versatility. / Master of Architecture

There are many theories on how to approach the creation of theatre and the training of the actor. My undergraduate training has focused heavily on acting techniques currently considered standard practice. Throughout this training I understood what these artists intended and how each process should work, but I felt that the process of getting from the head to the body was brushed aside. I didn't know how to move; therefore, I did not move at all. This project is intended to explore the possibilities and usefulness of theatrical movement techniques in the development of theatre productions. The movement techniques I have explored throughout my research include the work of Moni Yakim Jerzy Grotowski, Peter Brooks, Robert Wilson, Tadashi Suzuki and Vsevolod Meyerhold. The techniques presented in their texts should help to battle body tension as well as broaden and fine-tune an actor’s sense of awareness.

To see a theatrical show onstage is a nightly thrill for thousands of audience members worldwide. Unfortunately many of these audience members do not know or understand the journey a show. the cast; and crew take from the first concept to the final curtain call. The journey of a show, ·brand new or a revival, is unique to each production but the desired goal is a shared one - reaching the hearts and minds of its audience members. Having only seen the growth and progress of a production as a cast member, I had no idea of the lessons to be learned· working on the production team. As a research component of this thesis, I served as part of the creative team to mount a fully staged musical. In doing so, I gained a greater understanding and appreciation for my art form and the creative process as a whole. My thesis consists of researching famous choreographers of the American Musical Theatre and their significant advances that shaped the nature of dance on the Broadway stage. In an effort to fully understand the process of staging a musical I also served as Assistant Choreographer for the Fall 2007 University of Central Florida Conservatory Theater's Main Stage Production of The Most Happy Fella. As Assistant Choreographer. I learned how to construct and realize a concept of choreography that enhances the plot and score of the piece. These lessons will guide me in defining my own choreographic and directorial style as I progress into the world post graduation