Remote Presentations Details

The last few months revealed that theatre can happen anywhere. To capitalize on this new artistic frontier, we are pleased to offer students the opportunity to present their work in a virtual space. For these presentations, there is no limit on the number of non-Columbia affiliates allowed to participate, as no team member will be on campus. Details of the options are listed below. Students may stream and/or record productions if:

• rights obtained for the play allow for the method of presentation requested.
• all cast and crew have signed Theatre Program Photo Release Form.
• all protocols and approvals listed herein are strictly adhered to.

Production Options

The distinctive feature of these options is that there is no expectation of a live audience. The presentation of these shows will be via an online format.

Remote (e.g., Tata’s Mad Forest; 2020 Acting Showcase)

Every member of the cast and production team work in separate locations; the set is their own home. All rehearsals are conducted via Zoom or another remote meeting application. Each cast member is mailed a “kit” to enhance lighting and sound. If this production option is combined with an edited recording presentation, they will also receive reimbursement for a smartphone app to capture their individual performance.

Benefits

• No limit on number of non-Columbia affiliates (for off-campus recording)
  • Schapiro limit: four (4) non-Columbia affiliates
  • Lenfest limit: six (6) non-Columbia affiliates
     
• Provides opportunity for in-person rehearsal and performance
• Not at the mercy of campus opening/shut-down (for off-campus recording)
• No need for COVID Safety Plan
• Shutdown-Proof. If the state, city, or University decide to lock down the campus due to a rise in COVID cases, production can proceed.
• Development of a new artistic skill

Challenges

• All cast members must have access to high-speed internet and a relatively new computer/smartphone
• Total cast limited by amount of equipment needed
• Development of a new artistic skill

Theatre Resources

The Theatre Program will provide the following:

• Educational opportunities to learn from practitioners
• Zoom Pro account for all Theatre students
• Reimbursement for Filmic Pro app, if applicable
• Approx. 12 remote “kits” delivered to cast members for majority of rehearsal and performance. Must be returned after final performance or last use. May include some or all the following (as applicable):
  • Green screen
  • Earbuds
  • Portable soft light kit with stand
  • Microphone with mount and adapter for various inputs
  • Phone stand (if applicable)
  • Misc.: set of six clamps, ethernet adapter

Video Site-Specific

This format is similar to a site-specific theatrical performance, without a live audience. The entire team isgathered in the same location where the cast performs the play. For this, it is strongly encouraged that rehearsals happen remotely (i.e., via Zoom) as much as possible. If rehearsals happen in-person, all COVID safety protocols must be followed. Safety guidelines of the location must be followed.

Benefits

• No limit on number of non-Columbia affiliates (for off-campus recording)
• Schapiro limit: four (4) non-Columbia affiliates
• Lenfest limit: six (6) non-Columbia affiliates
• Provides opportunity for in-person rehearsal and performance
• Not at the mercy of campus opening/shut-down (for off-campus recording)

Challenges

• All rehearsals and presentations must follow either Film Program or University Event Management safety and risk management protocols depending on location, including number of participants in space
• At mercy of shut down/gathering restriction of locality
• Student must procure all audio/visual equipment; Film Program will not lend equipment to

Theatre students

• At the mercy of weather conditions/access to off-campus locations

Theatre Resources

• Educational opportunities to learn from practitioners
• Zoom Pro account for all Theatre students
• Reimbursement for Filmic Pro app for “camera” operators

Presentation Options

The main difference between these options is whether audiences have the opportunity to see a performance in real time.

Live Streaming

This is the presentation most like traditional theatre. The audience logs into a live streaming service to watch the play in the moment. Though the performance can be recorded, there is at least one opportunity for an audience to see the play in real time. The cast can perform the show live each time, specify times for online rebroadcast of the performance, or allow access to the rebroadcast at the audience’s convenience. Rights grantor will primarily dictate choices available.

Benefits

• Size of audience limited only by streaming technology capacity

Challenges

• Must ensure performance rights allow for streaming (and recording if desired) and adhere to all presentation rules (e.g., marketing, ticket sales, number of presentations, etc.) 

Theatre Resources

• Educational opportunities to learn from practitioners
• Zoom Pro account for all Theatre students
• Free access to streaming technology

Edited Recording

For this type of presentation. The footage is then edited together into a complete play and then presented online. Alternatively, the footage gathered during the site-specific production is edited and then presented online.

Benefits

• Experience of an editor to craft a more finished digital “film”
• Free access to licensed editing software if student chooses to edit themselves
• Possible collaboration with experienced Film Program students for editing.

Challenges

• Presentation date will be later than original production – dependent on editor timeline.
• Must ensure performance rights allow for recording and adhere to all rules (e.g., marketing, ticket sales, number of performances, etc.)

Theatre Resources

• Educational opportunities to learn from practitioners
• Set number of hours of work from a professional editor (exact amount to be determined)
• Zoom Pro account for all Theatre students
• Free access to streaming technology

For remote presentations, the COVID safety protocols will vary based on production option chosen. Except for those that choose a remote option, each project will have to submit a COVID Safety Plan that combines Theatre and Film Program protocols, as appropriate.