A director's approach to Alice by Heart.

This thesis documents the production process and the directorial approach to Baylor University Theatre’s production of Alice by Heart which was produced as a part of their 2025-2026 season. This work explores the biographies and artistic backgrounds of the writers, Duncan Sheik, Steven Sater, and Jessie Nelson. It also includes a textual analysis of the play the theoretical lens of trauma theory as defined by Robert Skloot. As the text for Alice by Heart does not provide adequate dialogue or action, this thesis seeks to explore the ways in which the plot and storyline are highlighted through visual cues such as movement, stage pictures, music, and design/technical elements. The thesis also discusses the development of the directorial concept which guided the production, the director-designer collaboration process, auditions, rehearsals, and the run of performances. It also outlines and examines responses and feedback from the Baylor University faculty, students, and audiences to determine the effectiveness of the production.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.F.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Schiller, Stacey, 1994-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jortner, David, 1971-

• Musical movement design.
• Rehearsal process.
• Theatre.
• Directing.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/14761

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/14761