In response to the shut-down of theatres and live performance spaces during the Covid-19 pandemic Flying Bridge Theatre was compelled to fast-track its digital theatre ambitions and following funding from Arts Council of Wales, formed Flying Bridge Online Repertory Company.
How could a theatre company that made predominantly mid-scale touring shows continue to produce work off the stage? The challenge the company set itself was not simply to deliver digital versions of its live touring productions but to create bespoke performance work, mimicking the processes of live theatre as best as possible and made available digitally through online platforms.
Among the challenges was how to re-create that live, immediate, imaginative, shared experience of theatre when the company and audience remain at home.
We decided to follow a rep format, writing rehearsing and performing a series of audio plays in a season, all recorded remotely from home studios across Wales, straight through in a single take where possible and mixed live without edit. This would be promoted to audiences at a set time, as a shared theatrical experience just like a piece of theatre. Once the curtain goes up, anything can happen.
The plays would also be accompanied by a series of live, post-show interactive videos where the company discusses directly with audiences how they write and rehearse each script to deliver a live play for voices online in one take.
The company will then share its techniques and learning with industry professionals to enhance understanding and to develop techniques and skills for producing and promoting digital drama from rehearsal to performance.
The core aims of the company are to engage creatives and audiences in a communal “digital theatre”, whilst continuing to research and develop the role of digital performance as an art-form as we look towards the future.
How could a theatre company that made predominantly mid-scale touring shows continue to produce work off the stage? The challenge the company set itself was not simply to deliver digital versions of its live touring productions but to create bespoke performance work, mimicking the processes of live theatre as best as possible and made available digitally through online platforms.
Among the challenges was how to re-create that live, immediate, imaginative, shared experience of theatre when the company and audience remain at home.
We decided to follow a rep format, writing rehearsing and performing a series of audio plays in a season, all recorded remotely from home studios across Wales, straight through in a single take where possible and mixed live without edit. This would be promoted to audiences at a set time, as a shared theatrical experience just like a piece of theatre. Once the curtain goes up, anything can happen.
The plays would also be accompanied by a series of live, post-show interactive videos where the company discusses directly with audiences how they write and rehearse each script to deliver a live play for voices online in one take.
The company will then share its techniques and learning with industry professionals to enhance understanding and to develop techniques and skills for producing and promoting digital drama from rehearsal to performance.
The core aims of the company are to engage creatives and audiences in a communal “digital theatre”, whilst continuing to research and develop the role of digital performance as an art-form as we look towards the future.
Our next production...
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Flying Bridge Online Repertory Company /
Cwmni Sefydlog Ar-lein Flying Bridge presents / yn cyflwyno Astrid Investigates Crime, corruption and a little sleuth-seduction abound in this brand-new series of online plays for voices... MORE |
