Conversations and dialogue
This kind of activity could work as a short piece of drama, perhaps between two usherettes working together, talking as they stand at the back of the cinema whilst the film is playing. Follow this up with writing down the conversation as a piece of dialogue.
Imagine what the film could be
- Is it a western, a romance or a comedy?
- What are they saying about the film?
- Do they like it? Is one of their favourite stars in it?
- It's nearly time for the intermission and they have to get their trays ready.
- What will they put in their trays?
- Is the cinema crowded? Will everyone want ice creams?
- What state will the cinema be left in afterwards?
- Will they have to clear up the mess?
- What is it like to work in the cinema?
- Do they enjoy their jobs? How will we tell from their conversation?
"We worked from six o'clock until it finished - about ten thirty. And of course we had the ice creams and soft drinks to take around. We did that as well, especially during the intermission. You'd be standing in front of the screen - three of you, four of you and people used to come down and fetch the ice creams and the drinks. Mind you she [the manageress] had a crafty little knack, she used to turn the heating up in that cinema, so everybody was thirsty and wanted ice cream! Sometimes the film had something to do with it. If it was a film set in the desert, people would get a lot thirstier than if it was a film set in the North Pole... Ice creams, choc-ices, lollies and drinks, and nuts. Tubs of ice cream. You made up your own tray."
