MCJ class creates unique project on ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’

~ By Miguel Gastelum, communications specialist for University Theatre

Donald Munro’s MCJ 104 (Editing of Publications) class was assigned a unique final group project inspired by the Fresno State University Theatre production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” The groups were each asked to pick an aspect of the production to focus on and explore in articles for a collaborative website.

The project offered the students a chance to delve deeper into the many facets of a theater production. The result is a comprehensive, standalone website featuring eight original articles.

The website, “Simply ‘Streetcar’,” features a range of articles from sound design to costume design to “A Streetcar Named Desire” in popular culture.

Concerning the project, Munro said:

“We went through every step of the editing and reporting process: brainstorming ideas; coming up with a story budget; editorial conferences and coaching; arranging interviews and visuals; peer editing; writing headlines and captions; and designing a standalone website that will continue, as far as I know, until the end of time (or until WordPress turns it off).”

Here is a full list of the individual stories:

• Going beyond race: ‘Streetcar’ casting throws tradition out the window  by William Ramirez
• Sounds of New Orleans: Two jazz enthusiasts give ‘Streetcar’ a Southern sizzle  by Paige Gibbs
• This isn’t just a museum piece: Welcome to a classic play with lots of pop (culture)  by Cassie Richter

• For director and longtime fan, an enduring passion for Tennessee Williams  by Victoria Castello

• Clothes call: With attention to detail, Fresno State’s costume shop builds image of 1947  by Selina Falcon

• Props, props, and more props: Taking care to make it all look real  by Alex Silva

• For a Fresno State theater veteran, a minor role in ‘Streetcar’ has a major impact  by Nugesse Ghebrendrias

• Blanche and Stanley: In ‘Streetcar,’ their conflict becomes a firestorm by Melina Ortiz

Fresno State theater production, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” is taking place on campus May 4-12, as the last production of the semester. For tickets, click here.