The visual design of Guys and dolls by Jo Swirling (i.e. Swerling) and Abe Burrows

The musical comedy Guys and Dolls by Jo Swirling and Abe Burrows was chosen for this MFA Thesis Production because it offered the design challenge of a multi-set play with period costumes. Chapter One of this thesis is the pre-production analysis and is divided into five sections. The first topic discusses the historical and stylistic background of the production. The second topic is an analysis of the function and mood of the setting. The costumes and how each character relates to his costume is discussed in the third section. The lighting concept is analyzed in the fourth section which is followed by a summary which includes a justification for the form of scenery and the style of setting. Chapter Two is the illustrated production record of all technical elements of the play. The scenery records include the set ground plans, set renderings, photographs of the sets, rear elevations, front elevations, scene shift plot, and properties plot. Costume notation includes photographs of the costume renderings and the costume plot. Included for lighting analysis is the light plan, instrument schedule, switchboard set-up chart, and lighting plot