Production Concept

1. Production Concept

2. A “production concept” is a visual approach that a director takes when he or she puts a play upon the stage. Fortinbras by Lee Blessing

3. A production concept may tell the story of the play in a straightforward, realistic way. In such a case, the “elements of production – that is, the costumes, sets, lights, sound, makeup, props, and acting style – will resemble something that you would see in the natural world. Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks

4. Or, a production concept may be highly symbolic or political in nature. In this instance, the lights and setting are non-realistic, but the costumes resemble the uniforms of Nazi Germany in the 1930s and 1940s.

5. Elements of production • costumes • sets • lights • sound • makeup • props • acting style

6. When theatre critics write essays, they draw conclusions about production concepts by describing the elements of production (costumes, sets, acting, etc.) When you critique videos of performances and live performances in this class, you should do the same thing: talk about how the elements of performance reveal your understanding of the production concept.

7. The production concept is created by combining the elements of theatre.

8. The photos that follow are from Dr. Faustus: Occult Remix, Nagelberg Theatre, New York City, 2004. As you look at them, think about how the elements of production relate to the production concept. To be more specific, the production concept for this production had two goals: To represent the black magic as “authentic” or “real.” To suggest that Faustus never actually left his magical temple, but, rather, was deceived into thinking this by hordes of demons in disguise.

12. The directorial concept of Dr. Faustus was realized through: • Costume • Music • Make-up • Performance style • Masks • Lighting • Scene design rooted in actual magical practice and symbolism.

13. Performance analysis is done by answering the followingquestions about a theatrical production: • What was the production concept for this production? • How did the director use the elements of theatre (i.e. costume, make up, acting, sets, props, sound, lights, etc.) to realize the production concept on stage. • To what extent did the elements of performance reinforcethe production concept on the stage? • To what extent did the elements of performance weakenthe production concept? • Overall, was a clear directorial concept realized in thisperformance? • Why or why not?

14. If you gain a keen understanding of how the elements of theatre relate to the directorial concept, you will have no problem discussing and writing about the live theatrical productions that you see – even the most confusing and perplexing ones!