STEP 2: Research and investigation process on digitally-native experiences in theatre and choice of digital platform to work with
This step is very important, because it includes a process of analysing various digital tools and resources, which will then allow making the best decision to set up the scene and performance. One or more platforms and software can be used at the same time if needed, but in any case it is essential to identify the technical requirements, codes, languages and possibilities they offer in order to enrich the experience.
Currently, technology offers an infinity of digital resources and applications that can be used for digitally-native artistic creation going from social networks, such as: Whatsapp, Facebook, Telegram, Twitter, Instagram, among many others to interactive digital tools and software, such as: Drive, Pantheon, Jamboard, etc. Finally, platforms that combine both video and audio as well as have other features can also be interesting to explore, for instance Zoom, Jitsi, Meet, Facebook Messenger, etc.
Once the platform or platforms to be worked on have been selected, they must be identified:
Technical needs
Everything that is needed for its execution, such as: licences, support, updates, etc.
The platform's own resources:
The elements of the platform features such as: chat, video call, audio, images, groups, possibility to change the background, etc., which will help develop the story.
Codes and languages:
Depending on the platform, there can be: stickers, emojis, reactions, turn off screen, etc. These are also resources for the development of the story, but from a more aesthetic perspective, such as: stickers, emojis, reactions, turn off screen, etc.
The specific competences for this step are:
Research:
Ability to search for information, organise it and use it more effectively in the particular case of a digital context.
Autonomy and initiative:
This skill relates to the willingness to take action and decisions without external help or support. It also refers to a proactive attitude, which is very important in this step.
Leadership and decision-making:
This competence makes it possible to guide the actions needed for a given objective. It will depend on the dynamics of the group, whether it is one person or more people who take more ownership of this role. Also, these roles can change depending on the phase of the process and the needs detected.
This step is very important, as the platform will become the “stage space” where the play will take place. Therefore, the identification of each of its resources will contribute to the development of the conflict, the deepening of the characters and the establishment of the aesthetics of the play.
One factor to take into account when choosing the digital scenic space is to define whether you are looking to generate an intimate experience or a collective experience. For instance, if you use Whatsapp as your chosen platform, you will have to decide whether it will be an individual chat or you will create a group.
One possibility of the digital is that the theatrical experience can be developed once, in a couple of hours, during the same day, but also in several days or weeks, depending on the story and how you want to tell it. In this sense, the digital context gives many possibilities to play with time and development of the plot.
Exploring the existent digital platforms
For more clarity on this step, the following activity is suggested:
It will depend on the number of participants in the process. Nevertheless, the activity can be developed both in small groups and in one big group.
- To lead a research on the various digital platforms available.
- To identify the use, specificities and access to digital platforms.
- To identify technical resources and possibilities for making room for theatricality and the potential platforms have to create digitally-native theatre.
At least 60 minutes
- Ideally computer (or mobile phone or tablet)
- Internet connection (sufficent mobile data or stable wifi connection)
- Digital platform for video calls: Meet, Zoom, Whatsapp, Jitsi, etc.
- Digital platform for drafting collective documents: Google Drive, Jamboard etc.
The team prepares for the production schedule. You can use the organisational platform of your choice to record forecasting, planning, organising, directing and controlling. This activity can be carried out by the producer or the people in charge of production, with the collaboration of the management. These roles are important so that they are leading and managing the overall structure of the project and that the whole team is aware of the different responsibilities and deadlines.
1. At the beginning of the research, you give a few minutes for the participants to familiarise themselves with the freely selected platform.
2. Then a form should be filled in the following template with technical points to facilitate research and the selection of the platform to be used:
Access to the platform: Does the platform require any payment or membership for its use? Does it have a time limit? How many people can participate at the same time? On which device does it work best, mobile phone, tablet or computer?
Use of the platform: What is the purpose of using the platform? Who uses the platform the most?
Example: Some observations can be the following:
- Facebook: it is used as a social network with friends, or for support groups, sales, etc.
- Twitter is a social network focused on discussion and news dissemination.
- Zoom is a platform used for meetings with friends, friendships, etc.
Then, participants should answer this question:
Which are the platform’s own resources?
Example: Some features can be:
- Chat: group or private
- Video call
- Allows you to upload or send photos, audio, videos, etc.
Then participants should gather information about:
Example:
- Use of hashtags
- Stickers
- Emoji
- Gift
- Short or long messages
- Typography
- Access to mute or activate camera and microphone
- Reactions
- Filters
Participants should answer the question with information regarding:
What is appealing and attractive about the platform? Have you seen stories of conflicts developing or being triggered by the use of any of these platforms?
Finally, participants should answer this question:
Can it be combined with other applications or software?
To conclude, hold a plenary
session where the work is shared in groups or individually. Some guiding questions for closing could be:
Were there any difficulties in the research process?
Have you discovered anything new about the selected platform?
What difficulties and advantages do you imagine for the development of a digital play?
Which play do you imagine on this platform?
As a facilitator you can visit the groups to accompany the process. It is important to provide space for exploration and brainstorming in the groups.
This is an important step in defining the platform to be used and in creating or adapting the script, so take the time to really go through all the process and highlight its importance for the participants to be aware of the task
Digital tools and media for emerging artists:
https://www.superfine.world/blog-content/2019/10/28/the-best-social-media-platforms-for-emerging-artists
Comparison between different social platforms:
https://csic.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/platform-comparison.pdf
Tips on how to create a Zoom theatre play:
https://dctheaterarts.org/2020/12/11/using-zoom-in-a-new-way-to-create-theater-that-transforms-how-we-see/
Features on WhatsApp:
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/mobiles-and-tabs/210616/40-whatsapp-tips-and-tricks-for-beginners-become-a-chat-jockey.html
Once you have researched the platform or software you will be working with, and have considered all its tools and possibilities and having the script or a large part of it (as it can be further modified), the next step will be the assignment of characters within the play: