Ah. Theatre. When we think of the word theatre, we are reminded of walking into a crowded lobby 30 minutes before the curtain rises. Perhaps we are stopped by friends, or even friends of friends, or maybe the sweet natured stranger who wants to start a thrilling conversation about the show we are about to see.
We pack into the seats, elbow to elbow, finish our conversations while the lights go out and all heads turn to the bright red curtain in anticipation. We relax in our seats with tingles down our spine as we prepare for a wonderful night of inspiration, wonder and awe.
THIS is what theatre is. Isn’t it? Many assume that the thrill and appreciation of theatre generates from live productions. But what if the essence of theatre is the heart and soul of the art and a building is what traditionally has facilitated this?
What if theatre can live inside our homes?
In our neighborhood parks?
In our backyards?
In our living rooms?
What if the true value of theatre comes from the lessons we learn and the people we share those lessons with?
There have been countless success stories already. Steppenwolf in Chicago released it’s season on the internet for its members and saw an increase in subscriptions and views. “A Killer Party for Broadway in Chicago” has just been released and has been receiving wide recognition for its innovative style of theatre making and approach to change. The National Theatre in London released week long runs of previously recorded material on their YouTube that had incredible views all over the world.
In short, theatre is alive and well...in a new format.
The point? Theatre does not need a building or even a stage to prove itself valuable to our communities. We are beginning to watch as many theatre companies around the world begin to pivot their online programming away from interviews, short performances and social media games and trivia to using their online platform to bring shows into the homes of millions.
Sure, we have watched communities and organizations try to produce shows as if nothing were happening, but what’s the point? Experimental theatre with artists, staff and audience members standing by supporting the cause is what led us to our modern theatre we have today. Had theatre artists decided years back to continue with what they had been doing we would have no women on the stage, we would be in only outdoor venues, no mics and barely any set pieces on stage. Sure, many of these new ideas came from drastic culture shifts in these European societies, but nonetheless, the world changes.
Theatre does too.
The idea of virtual performance is not to prove that live theatre is less important. Virtual performances are used as a tool to experience what we love while remaining respectful, safe and even having fun experimenting with a part of our craft we have yet to deeply explore.
We would all love to be back in a crowded theatre once more. We can’t deny the electric feeling we get when we watch live performances, but for now, and maybe for a while, we need to appreciate and understand the influence virtual performances can have on our lives.
So we ask: Can the heart of theatre live in your home? Your neighborhood park? Your backyard? Your living room? If you know the answer is yes, seek out the opportunities to experience virtual performance. You will not regret it.
Live theatre impacts communities, virtual performances can impact the world. Join the world in making a difference by supporting virtual performances. The theatre community needs your support to survive to tomorrow.