NOVEMBER
by David Mamet
director. Rodney Higginbotham
scenic. Lizz Otto-Cramer | technical direction. Sarah J. Fabian
lighting. G. "Max" Maxin II | costumes. Jana Anderson
The Stage Center Theatre, Northeastern Illinois University, 2016
DOCUMENTATION
Narrative
At Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and Theatre (CMT), teaching courses in theatrical design and technology, storytelling and puppetry. I have not assumed the hat of "technical director" in a few years, so it was exciting to get back to where I first experienced theatre hands-on -- carpentry and power tools!
A great part of NEIU's CMT program is that the students in their CMTT 339: Advanced Practicum sections learn about the magical world of technical theatre, from lighting to hair and makeup, painting to props, and the exciting realm of scenic carpentry.
For "November", the play takes place in the Oval Office of the White House, so the biggest challenge of this design is to construct a structural, curved wall that can withstand the comical, farcical world David Mamet has constructed.