A new radio drama involving the cooperation of SLCC communication departments is debuting on SLCC Internet radio Nov. 1 between 10–11 a.m. Based on “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, this is the first time the original radio adapted script will air.
“There [are] about 20 people [involved]. We have people from communication, theater, music [and] we have people from film. So, it’s like four different departments working on this project,” says Nadirrah, student producer and director for “The Hunger Games Radio Drama.”
The talented cast is made up mostly of SLCC students who auditioned for the parts in September.
“I was really impressed with the talent that showed up. We have very talented people here at the school,” says Nadirrah.
Students from both the film and theater departments are among the actors who are working on the drama.
Juliet DeVette, a film acting student who plays the part of Katniss Everdeen, says the transition from film to theater and radio is challenging.
“I’m a film student. It’s tough because film is different than theater and radio,” says DeVette. “I try not to compare myself to the film version of Katniss, but I feel like she is supposed to be more subdued.”
The part of Peeta Mellark is played by theater student, Scott Garner.
“This is different than anything I’ve done before,” says Garner. “I don’t think it’s any more or less challenging, it’s just different.”
Because it’s just voice, some of the actors enjoy the radio project.
Juliette Cross, who plays multiple characters, including Effie Trinket, Primrose Everdeen and Lacy, is one such actor.
“I really like this because it’s just voice. I can come in my sweatpants with no makeup,” says Cross. “It’s hard when I have to switch off between roles. I have to use my imagination to switch off.”
Nadirrah was able to find original music compositions written by SLCC students to compliment her project.
“We have all original music,” says Nadirrah.
Music students, Daniel Espinel and Tom Issarakoat submitted their own compositions for consideration.
“I love making music so, I have a lot that I’ve written,” says Issarakoat. “I let them listen to a lot and let them pick what they wanted.”
Issarakoat, who has been playing and writing music for 15 years, also wrote one piece specifically for the radio drama.
SLCC students are conducting food drives throughout the month of November, which coincide with the radio drama.
“We’re going to combine our little radio drama with the food drives,” says Nadirrah. “Because hunger is no game, we want to help…encourage people to donate to the food pantry or the food bank and remember to do so throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.”
Each 20 minute episode of “The Hunger Games Radio Drama” airs on radioslcc.com between 10–11 a.m. every Friday beginning Nov. 1–Dec. 6.
“It will air during my radio shift and for the rest of the hour we will play music that is associated with ‘[The] Hunger Games’ or should be,” says Nadirrah. “I’m hoping that we will be able to interview Katniss [Juliet DeVette] and our cast and crew: the people who’ve put this together.”
