The (iPad) Radio Play

Objectives

• To understand how mood is created in a work of theater.
• To understand the connections between script, voice, action, sound, and dramatic production in the creation of mood.
• To think as actors and directors, to make choices concerning the script.

Materials

• Text of Act I, scene 1 of Macbeth (see Project Files)
• Classroom or acting space
• Garageband for iPad (iTunes link, $4.99)
• 1 teacher laptop with iTunes installed (Download link, Free)
• (optional) directional microphone or headset for higher audio recording quality (and less background noise) (Apple Headset and Mic (Amazon))

Product

• Read and understand the first scene of Macbeth
• Practice the scene as different characters (modulate voice, action, blocking, to achieve different effects)
• Approx. 1 min. radio play of Act I scene 1, with a written explanation of the mood your production team wanted to achieve

Procedure

Read the scene out loud twice. Flicker the lights to simulate lightning, drum on desks for thunder. Choose a creepy witch voice. Assign students to play the parts of the familiars, and to crow or neigh on cue.

Understand the action. Make reference to the fact that Shakespeare was writing Macbeth to be performed for King James I, who had an unhealthy interest in witchcraft and the occult. The witches really would have scared him, and probably the audience. Talk about the difference between Fate and Free Will. Why does Shakespeare begin the play with the witches? What message is he sending? More importantly, how does his choice affect the mood that is being created?

Act the scene as different characters. This will help differentiate between the words and how they are spoken. Act the scene as three catty women in a hair salon, three middle schoolers, three generals on the battle field, three chefs. Change voice and physical action to suit the new situation.

Break up into groups of 3. Each group is a production team working on a radio play version of Macbeth. This is a creative assignment, so the parameters are open-ended. Each team should create a short radio version of the beginning of Macbeth and work to create a particular mood. They can use software to alter voices, insert and manipulate sound effects, and create their own soundtrack – students can use software instruments or live performance. Aside from the sound effects, all material must be original.

iPads: Click below to see a tutorial on how to create the radio play in either Garageband or Studio.HD.

Garageband

Studio.HD