The core element of performance remains storytelling - a connection between performer and audience, and the attendees with one another. We tell stories through words, through body movement, through music. Witnessing these moments together, live, can be transformative.
And yet, as technology plays a part in nearly every element of our lives, audience expectations and performing arts productions are changing, too. In an age of home media rooms and on-demand entertainment, there are several trends to consider when planning or upgrading performance spaces.
Transformative visual environments -
Don’t just break the fourth wall, completely dismantle it. Every surface around the audience has the potential to be a projection or lighting surface - the environment of a production can extend past the stage all around the audience. Mounting positions that allow lights, projectors, and video screens throughout the audience chamber, and power and data connections, or at least pathways, at these locations, create the support to immerse the audience into a new environment. Even the architectural features of the room can be changed digitally.
Transformative aural environments –
Immersive audio systems can be designed to allow push-button changes to the acoustic character of the room, switching quickly from a reverberant choral setting to a dry lecture setting. Many of the same systems can go further to be used as a mappable aural landscape, allowing performer’s voices and sound effects to move throughout the room the room.
Increased flexibility, within manageable range -
Generally, the more flexible a space, the more intensive it is to operate in multiple modes. But, is the room more useful when it can be set up in different ways? Then that flexibility may be well worth the trade offs. Finding that balance is key. Being able to change a room configuration with elements like moveable walls, adjustable height floors, and reconfigurable seating can increase its utilization, create rental opportunities, and add to the performing arts “lab” spaces.
Octave 9 is one example of such a space, with curved screens on tracks that can be reconfigured around the room and used as projection surfaces, and a grid of lighting, audio, and projection integrated into the ceiling to create an immersive audience experience.
Perhaps just as exciting as the technology for these immersive and reconfigurable environments are the opportunities for technical collaboration and - in education settings - training for students. The increase of projected scenery and art opens new potential pathways for collaboration with multimedia designers and visual artists. New technologies in performance (both installed and specific to a production) may entice production artists and practitioners to explore new storytelling devices. Planning a performance space to address audience expectations can also result in opportunities for theatre artists to experiment in new ways with these types of systems.