Blue Stockings by Jessica Swalle

with New York University Meisner Acting Studio, Spring 2019

Directed by Karen Chamberlin Scenic Design by Gaya Chatterjee Lighting Design by Samantha Eisner Costume Design Claire Yixuan Zhang Sound Design by Charlie Saslow

Blue Stockings was a rehearsal project through NYU’s Mesiner acting studio. For the actors, this was an opportunity for them to participate in a more fleshed out production while the designers had the chance to work with their respective shops and learn about budgeting, sourcing, etc. Set at Girton College, Cambridge in 1896, the play follows four female students seeking their formal degree qualifications which their male counterparts were already receiving. The play touches on some of the issues surrounding the feminist ideals of the late nineteenth-century and New Woman ideals.

Furniture from the mid-late 1800’s heavily influenced the design. Logistically, the play visits dozens of locations so the design needed to be flexible enough to accomodate that need. Two standard platforms fitted with pneumatic air casters served as main scenic element which could be reconfigured to each new location. In addition set dressing, furniture and props were used to supplement each location.

Process Photos

Installing the pneumatic air casters and painting the platform side pieces.