Sunday, January 16, 2011

1st Annual Online-Only Toy Theatre Festival?


An excellent example of computer-animated toy theatre is 
Nigel Peever's production of The Corsican Brothers

Recently on the Toy Theatre Yahoo Group, a member mentioned the following idea:
What does everyone think about holding an online TT festival?
It could include performances via YouTube or Vimeo, or even web cam if anyone would fancy trying something live.
We could post images, scripts, proposals etc
There are several sites where one can hold online conferences, for presentations, abstracts and papers.
It might be easier than a physical event to start with?
Any takers?
I think it's a marvelous idea.  An idea whose time has not only come, but is long overdue.

Overall  response so far has been modest but enthusiastic. There was some concern about it being 'only' an online festival, with recorded performance versus live performance (albeit by video, not in-person).  However, as it was further discussed in the online group - and the original poster suggested - why not both?

Another aspect of a virtual festival beside the the recorded vs live, is that there could be virtual (animated - handmade or computer) versus 'real' or physical performances.

It goes without saying that variety is the spice of life, yet tradition is something to preserve.  That said, both traditional theatres and/or plays would be presented, but innovative, avant-garde, or experimental theatre-of-the-small should be encouraged, also.

What say you, Dear Readers?  Anyone interested in taking part?  It's early days, but the world toy theatre community would love to hear from you if you'd like to participate in any capacity - design, performance, 'backstage', technical, etc.  If you don't know who to contact, let me know and I'll put you in touch...

2 comments:

  1. I'd love to take part! I need to join this yahoo group so I can get involved in general anyway! Unfortunately I'm not much of a performer, but as an illustrator I just love the idea of incorporating my characters, stories and illustrations into a toy theatre form- this is one thing that technology can do, is give people like me the opportunity to work with people from across the toy theatre community! :D

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  2. Good to hear, Bex. Yes, the best way to find out what's going on and ask questions about toy theatre, including this new idea of the online festival, is definitely on the Yahoo group...

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