Welcome to Spotlight Play. Complex characters, great opportunities for stage work and great for competitions – Pretty Princess Dollhouse for Pretty Princesses by Emma Fonseca Halverson is an incredibly theatrical play for high school performers.
Gabi wants to be a writer. Elena wants a family to love and a happy life.
Gabi wants doors – doors that will open and allow her to leave. Gabi suffers from metaphorical asthma. The walls close in and she can’t breathe. Elena knows the doors are there, she just doesn’t want to open them. She thinks the walls keep her safe. She thinks Gabi lives in a fantasy world.
Two friends on the threshold of their adult lives realize that they have very different views on how they want to live. Excellent stage work for the competition.
Why did I publish this piece?
I first met Emma when she submitted her piece It’s Not Going Anywhere and we knew we wanted to work with her again. Emma’s song Pretty Princess Dollhouse for Pretty Princesses it is the first play commissioned by Theatrefolk. I gave Emma the criteria and left the rest to her; she delivered 100%. I love the theatricality of the play – you can go to town on set or keep things very minimal. The two characters are well drawn and complex, this would be an excellent piece to draw the scene from for the competition. We are thrilled to have Emma’s piece in our collection!
Let’s hear from the author!
1. Why did you write this piece?
I wrote this piece to demonstrate an internal struggle between two opposing desires. The desire to stick with what is familiar and good and the willingness to take the risk for more. This is something I can relate to as I know many of my fellow teenagers can relate, as we have to make life changing decisions at such a young age the pressure and conflict can be very real.
2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences.
The theme of this show can be interpreted in different ways – but I would say it’s about longing – for each other. and for the “correct” answer.
3. What is the most important visual material for you in this piece?
The most important image in my eyes is the candle set. Although designers don’t have to use actual candles, a dim lighting will create a strong contrast with the abrasive lighting at the end and set the tone for the production.
4. If you could give one piece of advice to those producing the piece, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give to anyone producing this piece is to add your own personality! It can be as simple or as flashy as you want.
5. Why is this play great for student performers?
This piece is good for student performers as it is simple enough to be a class project, yet the themes are ones that many teenagers can relate to. I hope students can see themselves in these characters.
6. Do you have any advice for people who want to play this game online or socially distanced?
This game can definitely be played online! My advice is to focus on the characters and no set can work perfectly.
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