2020 UIL OAP: The Hunchback of Seville / by Fernando Albarran

Below is my process for the technical elements of “The Hunchback of Seville” as a UIL One Act Play and part of Klein Forest High schools' 2019- 2020 season. *All photos and video clips used are from the rehearsal/ build process*

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Working on a One Act Play for competition always excites me. I find it inspiring to design a set that adheres to the competition guidelines while pushing creative boundaries and exceeding expectations. This particular production presented incredible opportunities to incorporate set pieces that were essential for the farcical tone of the script and plot to resonate clearly with the audience.

One of the most exciting technical challenges was the use of two trap doors: one hidden in a wardrobe and another under a bed. These features allowed actors to make secret entrances after eavesdropping on pivotal plot information. Additionally, we utilized scrim fabric to creatively display flashbacks, narrations of letters being read, and even stage combat occurring in the bathroom.

This production pushed me to refine my ability to create a detailed unit set that not only met the logistical demands of competition but also elevated the storytelling and comedic timing essential to the farce.