Research

    I utilized the play breakdown I did to track when/why the actors and audience are moving and where. I wanted the play to flow as they move and adapt it into the play. I also noted how the spaces need to change thought the play.

    I went through the script to note key elements. Props, effects, how many actors, and movements where important so I could understand the needs of the scene. This had to be incorporated with the design.

  Due to the importance of race in the show, I had to research how Boston Massachusetts race changed through the years and how it impacted people. I wanted to tie the racial issues of the script to current events happening today.

     I used the floor plan of a Victorian house I grew up in for inspiration for the layout. I adapted it to the needs of the show, changing some features, like turning bedroom three into a bathroom and the master bathroom into a stage manager’s monitor room.

   I wanted the rooms to have the characters personality to it as well as show the dynamic between how they felt like they didn’t belong in the house. Due to the show starting with them moving, I had to think of elements that could adapt the space to make it look like they have been living there for a while.

    Looking at the script I located areas that could have practical lighting, for instance lamps and windows that could have shadows. Due to the show having a horror element slowly amp up these elements need to be adapted in the design to make it look natural to cause a seince of unease and like they are being watched.