A stunning theatrical event; educational, entertaining, affordable and easy to book.

The  T o n y - A w a r d   winning play about  E m i l y   D i c k i n s o n   by  W i l l i a m   L u c e

Production Requirements

Stage Space
A raised platform, stage or stage apron of approximately 20 by 15 feet, is adequate as a playing area.  Visibility is essential.  It is best for either the acting area to be raised, or the seating area to be raked.

Basic Ground Plan

Furnishings

Needed for both the Full Production and the One-Hour Production
  1. Small writing table or desk space should be wooden to give a sense of the
    period, (1880's).
  2. Desk chair, wooden, straight back, no arms.
  3. "Father's Chair"- handsome, preferably an upholstered armchair, sense of
    the period; not too large.
  4. A small side table.
  5. Piano bench preferably, or wooden bench that seats two people.
  6. Sideboard or piano to hold assorted props.
  7. Old chest or box, small, to go beside desk.

Additional Suggested Set Items
  1. Long table, or bookcase, or highboy.
  2. Low bench to define "window"-trees and large and small potted plants to
    define the "garden".
  3. Hall coat-tree/rack and umbrella stand.
  4. Area rug, preferably patterned; 9 x 12 or larger.

The artist provides her own props and brings "period" drapery to cover furniture as necessary to help evoke a sense of time and place.

Optional Set Decor
There are optional items which are not actually used in performance, but evoke a sense of time and place. They might include books, candlesticks, oil lamps, potted plants, (geranium, if available), table cloths, drapes, period photos in standing frames, dolls, and other 19th century New England paraphernalia appropriate to a busy household.

Optional Light Plot

The lighting plan consists of six major areas as shown, if possible on independent dimmers.

The One Hour Production
As long as the whole acting area is well lit, The One Hour Production can be performed with no theatrical lighting.  However, the more creative the lighting is, the better the show will look.

The Full Production
The Full  Production requires some isolation for what is called the "Death Special" and some ability to dim separate areas (especially areas 1, 2 and 3).

Here are some suggestions to enhance the Full Production:

  • #9 "Death Special", a high angle, blue front light in tight spot

  • #8 (tree): Guest Special; to light the actress when she looks off right

  • #7 (tree): Sunlight Special; warm sunlight coming through the plants to help
    create illusion of a window.

Sound
For The Full Production, it is necessary to have a cassette tape deck available for pre and post-show music, and four internal sound cues.

Staff

For The Full Production the following positions are required:

Sound Technician

One sound technician to set up and run sound tape during rehearsal and performance.

Lighting Technician
One experienced lighting technician to set up and focus instruments, attend a one hour rehearsal and run lights during the performance.  If a student is assigned to do this, a member of the faculty should be on call in case of emergency or unexpected circumstances.

Stage Manager
A stage manager may be required to assist in setting up and taking down the set and props, and to give the actress half hour, ten minute and two minute calls before curtain.
 

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