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STEP INTO
THEATRE
Continuing to “Connect the Pieces” from
Tues. 29th July
Four (4) fortnightly sessions
with a focus on the script
“Summer of the Seventeenth Doll” by Ray Lawler
Lead by local Theatre Practitioner and Teacher
Kerry Turpie
Session 1
Play Reading -
From selected scenes (provided)
Tuesday 29th July 7-9pm
Focus: Understanding Themes, Characters, and Context
Overview: Participants will be introduced to the world of the play
through a guided table read of key scenes. We'll explore:
The historical and social context of 1950s Australia
Key themes: change, identity, tradition vs progress
Character relationships and emotional undercurrents
The dramatic structure and use of setting (Carlton terrace house)
Outcomes:
✔ Familiarity with plot and characters
✔ Initial interpretation of dialogue and subtext
✔ Group discussion on tone, rhythm, and period context
Session 2
Acting Response
Tuesday 12th August 7-9pm
Focus: Embodying Character & Scene Work
Overview: Using scenes from the script, participants will explore:
Voice, movement, and intention through character-based activities
Emotional truth and motivations of Olive, Roo, Pearl, Emma, and Barney
Subtext and beat changes in key confrontations
Ensemble improvisation to extend character backstories
Outcomes:
✔ A deeper emotional connection to characters
✔ Practical scene work and actor interpretation skills
✔ Understanding of character arc and relationships
Session 3
Technical Design
Tuesday 26th August 7-9pm
Focus: Visualising the World of the Play
Overview: Participants will examine how production elements bring the world of the play to life.
Analyse the significance of the Carlton terrace house setting
Explore mood, time of day, and seasonal symbolism through lighting
Create basic set sketches and lighting design concepts
Consider how design supports themes (e.g. fading tradition, emotional confinement)
Outcomes:
✔ Understanding the relationship between design and narrative
✔ Concept sketches or vision boards for set/lighting
✔ Basic design vocabulary for theatre
Session 4
Directing the Doll-
A Director’s Approach
Tuesday 9th Sept, 7-9pm
Focus: Directorial Vision & Staging Choices
Overview: This workshop draws the elements together from previous sessions to explore how a director interprets and stages a production.
Activities include:
Choosing a directorial vision or concept (naturalism, heightened realism, etc.)
Blocking and spatial dynamics for key scenes
Working with actors, designers, and stagecraft collaboratively
Managing rhythm, tension, and pace across acts
