Creating a Sustainable Plan for Immersive Theatre in Omaha
Advisor Information
Cindy Phaneuf
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
2-3-2018 2:45 PM
End Date
2-3-2018 3:01 PM
Abstract
The Graduate Research and Creative Activity grant, allowed me to conduct research that examined immersive theatre performance (theatrical events in which audience participation is allowed and encouraged), and its application to community-based art (art directly responsive and produced by the community). The methodologies include literary research of the field at large, travel to New York to experience large scale immersive work, and practical work with theatre professionals in Boulder, Colorado and Omaha, Nebraska. The purpose of this work is to test the viability of a company dedicated to creating immersive work responsive to the Omaha community. Through the probing of both artistic form and managerial aspects, two routes have been identified.The first is a “project to project” model, where funding is attained via grants and donors for one project at a time. The second is collaboration with a community partner to create immersive experiences aimed at that partner’s audience base. The application of this research has culminated in a series of interviews and workshops centered around individuals’ experiences of growing up in the diverse neighborhoods of Omaha. This will serve as a repeatable format for immersive performances, and is easily adapted to either of the aforementioned models.
Creating a Sustainable Plan for Immersive Theatre in Omaha
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
The Graduate Research and Creative Activity grant, allowed me to conduct research that examined immersive theatre performance (theatrical events in which audience participation is allowed and encouraged), and its application to community-based art (art directly responsive and produced by the community). The methodologies include literary research of the field at large, travel to New York to experience large scale immersive work, and practical work with theatre professionals in Boulder, Colorado and Omaha, Nebraska. The purpose of this work is to test the viability of a company dedicated to creating immersive work responsive to the Omaha community. Through the probing of both artistic form and managerial aspects, two routes have been identified.The first is a “project to project” model, where funding is attained via grants and donors for one project at a time. The second is collaboration with a community partner to create immersive experiences aimed at that partner’s audience base. The application of this research has culminated in a series of interviews and workshops centered around individuals’ experiences of growing up in the diverse neighborhoods of Omaha. This will serve as a repeatable format for immersive performances, and is easily adapted to either of the aforementioned models.