Open Forum

We're getting ready to stream our first virtual production (pre-recorded). Our actors are doing great in rehearsal but are bummed about the loss of that exciting and afforming live performance experience. I'm trying to figure out how to make the online "premiere" and subsequent performances more exciting and meaningful for them.

Has anyone tried using Zoom to stream a pre-recorded show? I'm imagining the audience and cast members zooming in a few minutes before curtain and feeling a sense of community and anticipation as they see all the little faces in Gallery View. At curtain, we'd mute everyone and turn off Chat, and I'd simply share my screen and play the recording. After, we'd do a talk back, opening up Chat again so audience members could type in their questions, which the cast and crew would answer live. If we use Zoom Webinar, we can charge $ for tickets, or we could set up another page to sell tickets and/or accept donations, and then give folks the Zoom link.

Does this seem like a good idea? Are there any other approaches you know of that can similarly help a performance to feel less anonymous, and more social/rewarding? We can use any platform we like – not restricted by a publisher.

Many thanks –

SR

We're getting ready to stream our first virtual production (pre-recorded). Our actors are doing great in rehearsal but are bummed about the loss of that exciting and afforming live performance experience. I'm trying to figure out how to make the online "premiere" and subsequent performances more exciting and meaningful for them.

Has anyone tried using Zoom to stream a pre-recorded show? I'm imagining the audience and cast members zooming in a few minutes before curtain and feeling a sense of community and anticipation as they see all the little faces in Gallery View. At curtain, we'd mute everyone and turn off Chat, and I'd simply share my screen and play the recording. After, we'd do a talk back, opening up Chat again so audience members could type in their questions, which the cast and crew would answer live. If we use Zoom Webinar, we can charge $ for tickets, or we could set up another page to sell tickets and/or accept donations, and then give folks the Zoom link.

Does this seem like a good idea? Are there any other approaches you know of that can similarly help a performance to feel less anonymous, and more social/rewarding? We can use any platform we like – not restricted by a publisher.

Many thanks –

SR