What role does "intonation" play in enhancing a performance?

Intonation plays a crucial role in enhancing a performance by adding emotional depth through speech. It refers to the variation in pitch while speaking, which helps convey the emotional undertones of a character or situation. By varying their voice in this way, actors can express feelings such as joy, sadness, anger, or tension, making their performances more nuanced and relatable. This emotional resonance can significantly impact the audience's connection to the story and characters, enhancing the overall theatrical experience.

The other options do not align with the primary function of intonation. For instance, setting the stage involves physical elements like set design and can include lighting, but it is not directly related to vocal techniques. Similarly, determining lighting is a separate aspect of production that relies on visual rather than auditory elements. Lastly, considering intonation to be unimportant overlooks its significant role in effective communication and emotional expression within performances. Thus, recognizing the importance of intonation in conveying a character's emotional landscape is essential for a compelling theatrical presentation.