The document discusses the concept of a 'production concept' in theater, which is the visual approach a director uses to stage a play. It emphasizes how elements of production such as costumes, sets, lighting, and acting styles can either represent realistic settings or employ symbolic and political elements. Additionally, it outlines the importance of analyzing these elements to evaluate how effectively they convey the production concept during a performance.

1. Production Concept
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
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
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.
Elements of production
costumes
sets
lights
sound
makeup
props
acting style

2. 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.
The production concept is created by combining the elements of
theatre.
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:

3. 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.
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.
Performance analysis is done by answering the following
questions 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 reinforce the

4. production concept on the stage?
To what extent did the elements of performance weaken the
production concept?
Overall, was a clear directorial concept realized in this
performance?
Why or why not?
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!
Other
108332.555
��� -
Made with Sony ACID Music Studio 7.0