How to create a multi-artistic piece. (Part 1 of 2)Written by Andrew Hanna
Continued from page 1 After a theme has been chosen, story line must be developed. The story line in essence brings life to a theme. The question that an artist must address is how one wants story to develop? During this stage one must choose as to whether story will develop in a linear or abstract form. A story that is linear generally has simple format of a beginning, middle, and end. In contrast to this format, abstract method generally shows various aspects of a whole. Furthermore, abstract format can be a brief excerpt of a situation. Afternoon of a Fawn is an example of this method. It only shows a encounter of a woman meeting a Fawn in forest. In relation to first description of abstract method, Act I of The Rite of Spring, exhibits a collage of ceremonies that are related to primitive society. Unlike Act I of The Rite of Spring, Act II follows a linear format. It begins with selection of a virgin to be sacrificed. From this selection, story progress into next stage of development where honoring of chosen virgin is made public. Afterwards, story ends with sacrifice. In addition to addressing issue of whether a story line will be abstract or linear, collective artist must address if dialogue will be used. If dialogue is used, then it should be created during this stage. The last part of this stage is to determine how story will be divided into sections. The purpose of using sections, for most part, is to maintain a clarity of thought. The hierarchy that a story can be divided into primarily include acts and scenes. An act, by definition is part of a whole and within each Act a portion of theme is explored. Scenes, on other hand, are smallest part of an act and scenes essentially support Act’s proportionate theme. After collective artist has addressed questions dealing with theme and story line, now artist needs to create a libretto. A libretto, in essence, is an outline detailing all of elements of production. It includes dialogue, scenic design, stage lighting, and all other things. The purpose for a libretto gives creative artist(s) a point of reference when they begin to produce production. Some important features of libretto include a synopsis of production both whole and in part.. Additionally, libretto will include any dialogue that is used. The last aspect that one will see in a libretto is any stage commands, lighting effects, visual elements, and all other things. These elements usually outline their function and when they will occur. After an artist has created a theme, story line, and compiled it into a libretto. Then they move onto next stage of creative process. In next issue, I will discuss this process and it relates to various arts. Furthermore, I will detail strengths and weakness of a few media.
Andrew Hanna is the CEO & Production Manager of At Hand Productions, Inc. At Hand Productions (http://www.AtHandProductions.com) is a leading Philadelphia concert and theatrical production company. Andrew Hanna has 20 years of composition experience and 16 years of performance experience. His compositions range from duets to large theatrical productions such as My Journal, Requiem for the Now, and Prophecies of War.
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