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GLOBAL THEATRE WORKSHOP

LAB PROGRESSION
Artists converge in virtual space

IMPROV GAMES
Improv to experiment with multiple screens

REMOTE INTERACTION
Establishing rapport across the fibers

MOBILE DEVICES
Geography-on-the-go and specific worlds

COLLECTIVE BRAIN
Anglo-American team describes experiences

In 2012, Powell formed an Anglo-American ensemble  to experiment with telepresence in theatre. While British actors gathered at Google Campus London, American actors converged at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

American actors: Zoey Martinson, Adam McNulty, Danielle Skraastad, Matt Citron, Neysa Lozano. British actors: Francesca Bailey, Mark Donald, Thomas Rushforth, Wendy Windle. Jonathon Ward (NYC) and J Dakota Powell (London) led the workshop.

Jonathon Ward used improvisational games to guide talent and provide structure. Ward: “In doing the improv with this technology…you, the actors, control the close-up, the long shot, etc. In effect, you’re the editor. You’re making the shot. Even in terms of the environment you’re in, you can change the camera angle. You can move the camera up so it’s looking down on you. You can put the camera below you so it’s looking up. You can change the lighting and the location.”

LAB PROGRESSION

The transatlantic ensemble progressed in three stages.

Stage I: Who Are You? British and American actors used improvisation to connect to each other, establishing a rapport over the fibers.

Stage II: Where Are We? Local actors began to explore their private space – work stations – while interacting with remote actors in their spaces. The natural geography of each space provided the “set.”

Stage III: Where Can We Go? Actors used mobile devices – iPads and Smart Phones – to roam into public spaces – hallways, elevators, balconies and streets.


IMPROV GAMES FOR TELEPRESENCE
Three work stations in NYC and three in London.


MOBILE DEVICES
Mobile devices enabled actors to travel – streets, hallways, elevators, etc.


REMOTE INTERACTION
Establishing rapport across fibers was key to communication.


COLLECTIVE BRAIN
Anglo-American ensemble discussed experiences.