Launching Europe’s first of its kind technological hub this weekend, the Real Ideas Organisation look to champion innovation within the field, particularly within immersive technology. A 360 degree dome comprising of workspaces, meeting rooms and event spaces, the venue also looks to serve its local community of Plymouth. Ahead of its opening, Real Ideas Organisation’s Chief Executive Lindsey Hall tells us more about the digital focused venue.
Identifying the potential the online streaming platform has in regards to hosting theatrical works to new and wider audiences, YouTube have established the Digital Theatre Initiative – a funding and mentoring opportunity witnessing creatives receive up to £20,000 in financial support and guidance from YouTube’s content creation agency Remedy Inc to produce pieces of online content. Judged by an established theatre panel consisting of producer Matthew Byam Shaw, production designer Bunny Christie OBE, playwright Inua Ellams, actor Dame Sheila Hancock, chief commercial officer of LW Theatres Charlotte Longstaff and director Bijan Sheibani, the team will choose a maximum of four creatives they believe respond best to the question ‘what is theatre when it’s online?’. YouTube tell us more about the initiative!
YouTube has today announced the launch of The Digital Theatre Initiative. The Initiative is designed to support those who want to create content that answers the question ‘what is theatre when it’s online?’ The aim is to help participants continue innovation in digital theatre, break down boundaries, make the arts accessible to more people, and ultimately encourage more people to engage with live theatre. With lockdown easing and the cultural sector beginning to look to the future, YouTube is exploring ways to support the industry and ultimately drive people back into theatres.
A distinctive part of early 21st century dating, dating apps have shaped how we interact, connect and meet up with prospective partners in the digital era. Tapping into this phenomenon in her debut show Manimals, game producer Michelle Hudson explores dating, loneliness and the struggle to connect within our digital age. Due to embark on a Canadian digital tour following the show’s UK showing, Manimals‘ app developer Sonya Suraci of Stitch Media tells us more about the creation of the Manimals dating app!
With online platforms providing a means of communication and connection with the wider world during a time of isolation, a year on post the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a significant cultural shift towards utilising technology to work and interact. Drawing on this shift, ZU-UK present Project Perfect Stranger – a WhatsApp experience encouraging participants to work together to complete various tasks and The PlagueRound Game Show, a Game Show – taking place after Perfect Project Stranger – played out via Zoom whereby participants reveal who they are to eachother and viewers for the first time. Ahead of the experience, sound designer Ross Flight tells us more about working on the project’s sound elements.
With online platforms providing a means of communication and connection with the wider world during a time of isolation, a year on post the pandemic, we’ve witnessed a significant cultural shift towards utilising technology to work and interact. Drawing on this shift, ZU-UK present Project Perfect Stranger – a WhatsApp experience encouraging participants to work together to complete various tasks and The PlagueRound Game Show, a Game Show – taking place after Project Perfect Stranger – played out via Zoom whereby participants reveal who they are to eachother and viewers for the first time. Ahead of the experience, director Jadé Maravala tells us more about both experiences.
Recognising the need for an accessible resource to support with mental health online, Minderful, meaning “nurturing a good state of mental fitness”, is a website comprised of ‘blocks’ and ‘block routines’, features that allow for users to create their very own personalised wellness routines. Currently available to access, Minderful tell us more about the website’s creation, the website’s focus on ‘mental fitness’ and what their hopes for the resource are moving forward.
An online platform consisting of live performances, audio, music, ebooks and learning resources, ‘Thespie’ aims to “help rebuild theatre in a way that’s better for artists and better for audiences; helping to kickstart the return of safe, live performance.” Recognising the needs of both theatre creatives and theatre goers, founder Tyler Stoops has drawn on his technical background to offer a multi-faceted experience promoting accessibility, especially to rural audiences. Currently available to visit online, Tyler tells us more about the platform.
Within the past 7 months, the integration of digital within the arts has witnessed various creative responses to an otherwise challenging year. In response to current restrictions, award winning theatre company Popelei have curated a range of works for our new normal; shows programmed for their digital festival Press Play ‘set designed’ to help set the tone for each piece. Popelei co-founders Tamsin Hurtado Clarke and Scarlett Plouviez tell us more about the innovative festival and what to expect!
A crucial component of Grime culture, important in terms of their influence and preservation of music – DJs help to promote undiscovered voices to new audiences – bridging the gap between communities and inviting all to connect within a shared experience. Their ability to compile their own musical sets an opportunity to showcase creativity and a musical language unique to them. Establishing a career within a male dominated genre, award nominated DJ Kaylee Kay has performed for some of the UK’s well respected venues and radio stations including Rinse FM, Kiss FM, the O2 and is currently a resident DJ at Boxpark. Ahead of HighRise Theatre’s online Grime rave Lil.Miss.Lady where she’ll performing pre and post sets, Kaylee tells us more about what to expect from the show!