Writing in the dark

I'm back in a darkened theater in the middle of a tech rehearsal with actors. Which means I've had nothing in my stomach all day but two and a half donuts and coffee. Ahh the perils of live theater. I’m creating the video design for Asheville Creative Arts production ofThe Red Riding Hood Show at the Magnetic Stage in Asheville, which runs April 5-9.

Earlier this spring I filmed four short scenes inspired by the silent comedic chases of the Keystone Cops and Roadrunner and Coyote. The actors were fun to work with, full of great ideas, and willing to look foolish. That part of my job was fairly straightforward.

The other part of the video design was to figure out a way  to simulate the appearance of live video streaming onstage. That meant trying out various forms of technology to mirror the phone’s camera to the projector and troubleshooting moments to create the most effective visual images. We settled on a mirroring app, Reflector 2,  that we've been exploring for the past week. It’s been an interesting marriage of my old and new professional selves.  

In my old life I've logged a lot of time in dark theaters, rehearsing with actors, going through the dreaded load in and tech. There is comfort in re-engaging with these rituals. To be familiar with each stage of the process - the first read through, rehearsals, blocking. At the same time it’s a relief not to be in my old role of director. Instead I have one simple job.  To supervise the video. So in between scenes I can sit in the dark, writing this blog. Waiting for my part.

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