Date of Graduation

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MFA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

Acting and Directing

Committee Chair

Cathy O'Dell

Committee Co-Chair

Radhica Ganapathy

Committee Member

Mary McClung

Committee Member

Jerry McGonigle

Abstract

This thesis is a documentation of my process for undertaking the role of Masha in Anton Chekhov's Three Sisters, performed in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre at the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center. This document will serve to archive the application of my graduate training while performing a major role; as well as, record my personal growth in a single production. In a reflective tone, I expound on the pressures and fears that I encountered, and the techniques that informed my self-realizations throughout the production process. The production process is composed of the three major sections. The first section reflects the nerve-racking initial audition and callbacks. The most intensive section of my process encompasses the day-to-day discoveries in the rehearsal hall. The rehearsal section will include a thorough dissection of my research into the history of Russian society in the 1900s and the playwright; as well as, my application of techniques as created by Sanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov. The last section will examine the performance process of Three Sisters. Though I have chosen this specific role to encapsulate the mastery of my graduate studies, I would be remiss if I did not give recognition to how this process has influenced my career beyond my graduate studies. This role has challenged me to observe how my fears and hesitations have influenced my acting, and provided a solid process to conquer my fears in future endeavors. This thesis role was a true testament to my training at West Virginia University and my capabilities as a theatre artist.

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