Project Groups /09-10 /Performative Technologies

Project Group Proposal – Spring 2009 - Winter 2010

Faculty - James Bierman, Brandin Baron-Nussbaum, Kimberly Jannarone

Research Focus – Performative Technologies: Collaborative Processes in Performance

Title – Digital Media in Live Performance

Abstract

The intention of this project group is to take participants through the process of creating one or more live collaborative performance pieces that integrally involve digital media and digital enablers. In the first quarter (Spring, 2009) participants will work on the creation of scripts, scores, animations, choreography, etc. that include digital media in such a way that the media not only supports the performances but motivates them from within. Plays, for example, will be created in which the media will serve not only as support, but will also act as a “performer” in the presentation. The digital media will actually help drive the plot of such a play much as the characters normally do.

For the 2009-2010 Performative Technologies project, we will focus on the development of docudrama. This effort will concentrate on the organization of documentary materials into a cogent dramatic structure that will serve as the basis for the work we will subsequently build and perform. While we will make use of ordinary print documentation, we will pay specific attention to such digital documentation as online forums, chat rooms, and blogs; organizing and re-contextualizing them as performable dramatic material.

Through the three-quarter process, we will carry the works from conception to scripting, to the design and integration of the digital media, to actual performance. While the first quarter will be devoted primarily to the creation of scripts (using the term loosely), the second quarter (Fall ‘09) will be largely devoted to a consideration of the physical design aspects of the media, exploring how media design is integrated in ways that support the unity and integrity of the script. This quarter’s work will cover a critical understanding of the design process and the pragmatics of building the media for production and the plots for lighting, sets, costumes, sound, etc. Finally, the work will be rehearsed, built and staged in the third quarter of the project group; completing the work of the planning and scripting of the first quarter and the design work of the second quarter. During this quarter, other students (mostly Theater Arts students) will brought into the process as performers.

The faculty of record responsible for the project group will be Professors James Bierman, Brandin Baron-Nussbaum, and Kimberly Jannarone, and they will each oversee one quarter of the project. Each will, however, participate in all three quarters of the project. In Spring '10, Kinberly and Brandin would contribute presentations, perhaps on specific topics of expertise like lighting, use of video, or telematics. In Fall '09, Jim and Kimberly would continue to engage in the second quarter, further developing scripts and describing examples of interactive technology, set ups, and topologies. They will also participate in building the digital media that will eventually be used in performance. In Winter '09, Jim and Brandin would continue to support students as they refine scripts and design ideas and produce the performance. While each faculty member will nominally maintain responsibility for a single quarter of the group, they will each work on the projects from their inception to actual performance. This will assure the continuity of the project group.

Student Participation and Preferred Background and Skills

Students in this project group will be given a chance to explore their interests conceiving, planning and scripting a theatrical performance, as well as designing, building and (in some cases) performing in a theatrical performance, and running the show. While we will be seeking strong skills and interests in some of these areas, we will also welcome students with skills in computer graphics, computer-aided design, digital sound design, video creation, networking, and programming. Skills in such areas as robotics and kinetic sculpture will also be welcomed. It is our expectation that the final presentation will serve as a veritable showcase for all sorts of digital media as well as for engaging drama and performances.

Potential forms/ venues for publication

The “deliverables” envisioned for the “Performing with Digital Media” project group are integral to the conception of the group. The three-quarter process will culminate with a series of performances of one or more pieces on one of the Theatre Arts stages or a similar venue. These performances will be open to the public and are intended to run for two weekends.