Setting the Stage : Abbott Elementary

 Setting the Stage : Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary style sitcom created by and starring Quinta Brunson. Being set in an underfunded school, we are able to see the struggles faced by underfunded teachers and how they are able to overcome their challenges with their passion for bettering the education of their students. 

STAGING

With its display of broken classrooms, vibrant student artwork, and packed hallways, the staging perfectly embodies the atmosphere of an underfunded educational institution. This location mirrors the challenges experienced by many public schools and adds authenticity to the plot.The personalities and roles of the actors are reflected in the distinct staging of various school settings. For instance, Janine's classroom is decorated with colorful pieces and student work that showcase her enthusiasm and commitment. On the other hand, the teachers' lounge is disorganized and disorderly, signifying the difficulties and solidarity among the employees.

The way classrooms are set up frequently mirrors the interactions between professors and pupils. Desks may be organized in typical rows or small groups, depending on the lesson or activity. Whether the teachers take a more collaborative or organized approach to teaching, this arrangement helps to communicate that approach.

COSTUMES

Janine

The wardrobe in Abbott correlates tremendously to the personalities and characteristics of those of the characters. Janine’s personality is heavily portrayed in her sense of style, throughout the series we see Janine in very colorful and bubbly outfits, one outfit in particular would be the outfit seen in episode 5, Student Transfer. An episode dealing with Janine’s confidence as a teacher, we see her brightest outfit yet. A color that signifies growth and positivity, Janine’s bright green dress perfectly aligns with her giddy and flourishing personality. 

Gregory 

Gregory is seen as a very reserved teacher throughout the season. With his goal to be principal set at the beginning of the season, his attitude aligns with his style which is formal, mainly to be respected by his students and his desire to be taken seriously. His closet mainly consists of neutral color button ups which shows that he isn’t very flashy and likes staying under the radar for the majority of the show. 

Barbara

Barbra the more experienced teacher has a more professional wardrobe with outfits well put together.Barbara always looks put together, wearing well-fitting cardigans, skirts, and blouses in softer colors like beige and navy. She chooses to dress modestly and professionally to highlight her status as an experienced, recognized teacher.

Ava

Principle Ava who is very self absorbed and obnoxious has a very similar wardrobe to her attitude. Her fashion reflects the self love she has for herself that is constantly brought up. She frequently wears high heels, flashy accessories, and bright apparel. She always wears glitzy, fashionable clothes that are current with trends in the fashion world. She is the one who, instead of working at a public school, looks like she's walking a red carpet. Not to mention all the chic handbags and faultless makeup. Her daring sense of style is a reflection of her propensity to put her demands and image before the important duties of her profession.

Jacob

Jacob, the strange but well-intentioned history teacher, has a charming sense of style that befits his dedicated yet socially awkward nature as a young instructor attempting to make a name for himself.

Melissa

Melissa is a streetwise, harsh teacher with deep ties to her Italian heritage. She has a no-nonsense, pragmatic approach with a dash of South Philly edge.

Mr. Johnson

The quirky and conspiracy-theorizing school custodian, Mr. Johnson, wears a simple, ordinary outfit. His versatility as the school's jack-of-all-trades is reflected in his manner.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

Abbott Elementary follows a naturalistic approach on the cinematography side of the series. Using various handheld shots and their choice of keeping the lighting unaltered, it is able to establish more personal in-depth reality. Direct-to-camera interviews provide characters a chance to open up about their emotions and motivations while also revealing their humorous points of view. This style allows for hilarious asides and adds layers to character development, as the spectator can hear characters' inner thoughts and ideas regarding school life and each other.

EDITING

Abbott Elementary is shot in a mockumentary style of editing throughout the first season. The characters are aware of the camera and in a sense are constantly in communication with the camera. The series uses many one on one shots in which the characters are having discussions with the audience. In episode 11, Desking, we see a clear example in which Janine is having her regular camera conversations. “It’s been a long year with lots of ups and downs, but it was all worth it to get here. Looks like someone finally has this teaching thing figured out.” 

CONCLUSION 

Overall, the staging, costumes, and cinematography in season one of Abbott Elementary works to create a powerful and in depth narrative environment. By effectively showcasing the struggles and trials of teachers in a public school setting, the series not only entertains but also reflects on the importance of education and the individuals dedicated to shaping young minds. This balanced approach brings out the show's relatability and emotional resonance, making Abbott Elementary a standout in contemporary television comedy.

Instagram @abbotblogzs

(Scribe: Evelyn, Social Media Manager: Ruby, Photo/Video Editor: Kelsey, Blog Producer: Renato)