A director’s approach to William Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

This thesis provides an in-depth analysis of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, as directed by Nathan Records at Baylor University Theatre from September 26 through October 1, 2006. Chapter one provides the historical context for the play and offers discussions of various sources for Shakespeare’s tragedy along with a review of literature and a brief examination of production history. Chapter two offers a detailed analysis of the play and comments on the project cutting the text of Hamlet to create a production script. Chapter three discusses the collaborative process between director and designers, detailing the production decisions made for scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound. Chapter four focuses on auditions, actor rehearsals, and technical implementation of the elements of the play in production. Chapter five concludes with the director’s critical self-evaluation of the production process.