Development Suggestions for the Snow Queen

 In Today's lesson (13th November), we evaluated our 1st proper run through and discussed points for development of our piece. We spent the remainder of the lesson rehearsing and putting the development suggestions into practice.

The Snow Queen (Worthing 2012 Version)
Scene	Title	Development Suggestions
1	Grandma’s Introduction	We need to build the 'six senses' in this scene as it introduces the audience to both the play and life for the characters Gerda and Kai before the Snow Queen. **The audience have to care about them getting this life and their friendship back or there is little point to the story** Better description of the environment. An activity for Kai and Gerda before the story that can show how close they are. Introductory music
2	Snow Queen Kidnaps Kai	We need to establish a distinct change in atmosphere via lighting and sound for the Snow Queens entrance. The dialogue needs additional detail particularly the benefits of living in the snow palace. **There has to be a plausible benefit for Kai to go with the SQ as he is fascinated by her before she puts ice in his heart** Snow Queen Music or snow sound effects Additional tempting description of Snow Queen Lifestyle in dialogue Design/Make sleigh  (Jackie in Art is willing to help)
3	Magic Flower Garden	A playful introduction would improve this scene. Perhaps Gerda could wonder at least for a little while if she should just make new friends whilst being enchanted by the flowers. **The scene will work best if we feel a bit sorry for the flower witch and the flower girls and if it contrasts more with the other scenes** Demonstrate the girls having fun together before we see the witch Gerda to use '6 senses' to ensure we understand more about the magical garden Find way of making flowers stand!
4	Snow Queen collects Flower Children	We need this scene to have more clarity. The best way to do this would be to strongly establish an ongoing relationship between the SQ and the Flower Witch. **This scene is the second time we see the SQ and once again she is abducting children. We have to make her heartless but not too scary!** Reveal Snow Queens bigger plans and the control she has over her magical kingdom Make some reference to life before the Snow Queen's reign Ensure the sleigh can work with two passengers
5	Palace and the Princess’s Party	Use the 6 senses to show the change in environment. Characters speak well spoken.
6	Snow Queen Plots & Plans	Blue lighting to show the evil of the snow queen.  She should have a 'crystal ball' to look in.
7	Robbers in the Woods	Use the 6 senses to describe the woods. Acting is good, characterisation is brilliant and there is a clear beginning, middle and end.
8	Journey to Lapland	Use the 6 senses to show what Gerda can see and also how she feels. Gerda and the crow should talk about something important- perhaps they find an item that helps Gerda when she gets to the palace? Add music.
9	Minion Reports	Conversation needs to be longer. Snow Queen needs to get really angry. Minion needs to be extremely scared- trembling/shaking.
10	Finn Man’s Wisdom & the Gossips	Needs to be made longer by more conversation- gossiper's dance could be made longer and the Finn Mann's was very short. The Finn Man's advice also needs to be presented clearer.
11	Ice Palace Rescue & Release	Kai's 'awakening' should be made more important and the focus should be put on him remembering Gerda.  The 'fight' sequence in which the Snow Queen turns the crow to ice should be longer to build up tension.
12	Back to Grandma	Happy music to emphasise the good atmosphere. Gerda and Kai should have a conversation to highlight their relief and happiness. Lighting should be really bright here to  show that something good has happened and to symbolise the 'light at the end of the tunnel'.

  
We then put these development ideas into our piece.

WHAT WORKED:
- We decided that Kai and Gerda's relationship could be showed by them 'chasing' each other at the beginning of the play at Grandma's house.