Task #7 Plan the time and place of the action: Describe the setting
When planning the description of the stage setting consider that the type of stage space, the onstage space and how it is used, the off stage space, the type of stage setting, and the mood and atmosphere of the play.
JOE AND MILLIE PRESCOTT live in a suburban, middle-class neighborhood. The home is well kept, but untidy. The action occurs in the Prescott's living room during a hot summer night.
SETTING: A door and small entranceway are upstage left. Left center is an arch leading to a hallway; down the hall to the left is a kitchen; bedrooms are to the right. A picture window is stage right. An overstuffed chair is left center. A wall-phone is to the right of the arch. A rocking chair is situated so MILLIE can rock and look out the picture window. Toys and children's clothes are scattered throughout the living room.
Describe the setting for a play staged within a proscenium arch. Begin at one side of the stage, Right or Left. Start describing set properties and architectural objects from downstage to upstage, then travel across the up-center area to the other side of the stage, then from the upstage area of that side to downstage. Finish by describing any remaining objects according to the stage area, or in juxtaposition to objects you have already described.
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