Process

//**1. WATCH THE 'CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF' BEHIND THE SCENES' VIDEO.**//
==== This video introduces the play //**Cat on A Hot Rin Roof**// by going behind the scenes of the Black Swan State Theatre Companys' production of the play. It is set during the first rehearsal of the company and therefore identifies the multiple roles involved with production including costume, set and sound design. The video provides an oppourtunity to see some of the original designs for the production and also includes interviews from the director and actors whom discuss the major themes, the plot and the characters in the play. ====

While watching the video, please take notes on the key concepts or interesting points that have been explored.
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====You will need to interpret the script by understanding what is happening, with who, where, when and why. Then using only voice and mobile phone devices, you need to bring to life the interpretation in performance. For instance, voice techniques such as accent, pace, and pitch will idenitfy the type of characters and their emotions while the time and place can be conveyed through soundscapes using the mobile phones. Soundscapes also enhances the meaning of themes through creating atmosphere and mood. The instructions below will guide you in this process.====


 * 1) ====As a class organise yourselves into groups of 4-5 people and allocate each group a script excerpt that is located below.====
 * 2) ====As a group, read the script.====
 * 3) ====Discuss and interpret the themes, context and characters involved in your script excerpt. Delegate two group members to vocally portray the characters and discuss vocal techniques such as emphasis, pitch and pace to effectively communicate the characters personality, emotions or motives. For example, if the character is an angry male; voice techniques could be deep, loud and quite fast paced.====
 * 4) ====Identify the clear sound directions in the script excerpt. For example, 'he turned the water on' is a direction to have a water running sound.====
 * 5) ====Use the mobile phone device to create/ find the appropriate sounds. Note when the sound occurs on the script.====
 * 6) ====Identify the time and place of the scene and decipher sounds that could communicate this context.====
 * 7) ====Create/ find the sounds and decide on the timing of when the sound should occur during the scene. Note this on the script.====
 * 8) ====Discuss any sound effects or music that could enhance the atmosphere of the scene.====
 * 9) ====Create or find these sound effects and plan when sound should occur during the scene. Note this on the script.====
 * 10) ====Practice the performance using voice and all sound effects to create your radio performance.====

**//4. PRESENTATION OF RADIO PERFORMANCE//**
====Once groups are all prepared, each group performs their radio show to the class. Performance order is determined by the order number on the scripts as this will follow the chronological order of the play. Also during performances, audiences need to have their backs facing the performers and have their eyes closed. This focuses your attention on listening to the performance rather than being distracted by the visual. After each performance, audiences should discuss the sounds they heard, what they thought they meant and whether they were effective.====



====List as many things that you have learnt today or what your expectations are about the upcoming production of //**Cat on a Hot Tin Roof**// on the left column that is named 'Initial Interpretations from the Script'. The sections that should be developed are themes, characters, context and sound design. The table will be developed each week and then after the production we will compare our initial interpretation with our responses after the production.====


 * 1) ====Find images on summer in 1950's, Mississippi====
 * 2) ====Find images of 1950's dress.====
 * 3) ====Find images on landscapes, plantations and mansions during the 1950's====
 * 4) ====Find images of father and son relationships====
 * 5) ====Find images of brother envious relationships====
 * 6) ====Find images of a cat on a hot tin roof====
 * 7) ====Find images of past productions of the play====
 * 8) ====Then save images in a file====
 * 9) ====Dowload shape collage []====
 * 10) ====Upload pictures into shape collage and will create collage====

//**9. SUMMARY TABLE**//
====Open your Interpretations Table. List interesting points and your ideas for the costume and set design elements that will be expected during the the production of //Cat on a Hot in Roof.// Also eloborate on any other points or ideas in the table such as the themes, character and context of the play.====

====For each image write down what lighting effects you think have been used such as the colour, intensity, focus (sharp or hazy) or the angle (black light or front light). Then explain why do you think these choices were made. Hint: refer to the roles of lighting designers which includes illuminating the stage so audience can see, creating meanings such as time and place and enhancing mood and atmosphere.====







In pairs, discuss your ideas. Then create a table to compare and contrast the use of lighting in the four images.

//**12. SUMMARY TABLE**//
====Open your Interpretations Table. List interesting points and your ideas for the lighting design elements and the mood that will be expected during the the production of //Cat on a Hot in Roof.// Also eloborate on any other points or ideas in the table such as the sound, themes, character and context of the play.====

===When you are watching the play, ensure that you make mental notes of the use of production elements such as lighting, sound, set and costume design and whether it was effective or not in communicating the themes, character, context or mood and atmosphere. This is important as you will be evaluating the performance in the next lesson as part of an assessment.===