This was a very fast-paced show with many 5-second scene changes. I designed this show to bring "1950's variety show" authenticity to the show as well as being lightweight and easy to maneuver for the actors and stage crew. This also was a fun zero-dollar budget design challenge and every prop and piece of scenery was found and repainted or repurposed from the university's storage, made from spare lumber, or borrowed from a local theatre.
The show was very unique in that it simulated a studio variety show environment. The stage hands and actors used every bit of the stage and picked up scenic pieces as they were needed. This meant the design had to be flexible but also provide access to every prop and scenic piece so one or two people could carry it to where it needed to be used.
Initial Concept for a "studio flat"
Paint elevation for the studio flat
Paint elevation for the studio office
Ground plan "home base" for the scenery used in the show
Ground plan for a back and forth scene between the office and studio
Synopsis:
Hollywood, 1954.
A black and white female comedy duo run the risks of satirizing Jim Crow America with their racy, edgy and racially progressive sketch comedy show. Eva Rose and Doris Jean long to become more than just television stars. Doris is determined to break out of playing only servant roles. Eva Rose is starving for proper A-list stardom and financial freedom at last. But when they are both invited to audition for the titular role in the epic film “Cleopatra,” their rare friendship is put to the ultimate test.
Written by: ShaWanna Goffney
Directed by: Laura Moreno
Set Design: Allison (Alli) Nauert
Lighting Design: Matthew Geschke
Costume Design: Lisa Longoria
Dramaturgy: Patrina Randolph-McGuire
Stage Management: Meghan Spear
This show is a University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance Playwriting department original production.
Directed by: Laura Moreno
Set Design: Allison (Alli) Nauert
Lighting Design: Matthew Geschke
Costume Design: Lisa Longoria
Dramaturgy: Patrina Randolph-McGuire
Stage Management: Meghan Spear
This show is a University of Houston School of Theatre and Dance Playwriting department original production.
