Toten Beard, Deanna M., 1969-Platz, HalleyBaylor University.2018-05-212018-05-212018-05-012018-05-21http://hdl.handle.net/2104/10262The road to completion for an original full-length play is long, hard, and well worth the wild ride. Great plays, both on the page and presented in front of an audience, create a compelling story that encourages reflection, discussion, and even change, all while allowing an audience to collectively experience a group of characters. My first original full-length play follows the story of an unconventional, twenty-something bridal party who have come together to celebrate their friend, the bride, even as she struggles with an increasing illness that threatens her life. In preparation for writing, I looked to contemporary playwright including Donald Margulies, Aziza Barnes, and Sarah DeLappe, as well as masters of form and style such as Anton Chekhov. Furthermore, I researched both native historical aspects and contemporary entertainment representations of Hawaiian culture, as well as interviewed a Native Hawaiian resident, so as to most accurately depict the play’s setting of Oahu. After two years of writing, I worked with a creative team within Baylor University Theatre Department to workshop a staged reading of the play, allowing me to both observe an audience’s reaction to my work and realize how the script could evolve further to wholly reveal the story I wanted to tell.en-USBaylor University projects 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.Contemporary Theatre, Writing, Performance, Women and Gender studiesThesisWorldwide access.Access changed 7/31/20.