This thesis records data on the development of The Park Boulevard Players, Plano, Texas, as an innovative school district theatre arts program. Data is organized to illustrate program growth based on educational and performance needs of involved students and community citizens. It proves that high school students are capable of producing summer entertainment worthy of community viewing. Being original in form and content, this thesis should serve as a resourceful guide for similar programs. The thesis contains five chapters arranged in chronological order. After Chapter I, Introduction, three chapters span three separate company seasons: June, 1978; June, 1979; June, 1981. The final chapter summarizes the program and presents evaluations and conclusions.

This thesis describes the directing of Joe Orton's What the Butler Saw for the 1976 North Texas State University Summer Repertory Theatre Company. Chapter I examines the problem of play choice and provides an analysis of the play selected. Chapter II describes the production situation at North Texas, the preparation of the playscript, the casting and staffing decisions, the technical direction, the rehearsal process, and the front of house activities. Chapter III is the production book itself, it includes the playscript, the blocking, and the light and sound cues. Chapter IV summarizes the project and offers recommendations as a guide to future graduate directors.