The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

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Augusto Boal

A book of exercises to build the skills and sensitivities to do the varied forms of Theatre of the Oppressed. Also includes detailed definitions, explanations, and examples of the T.O. interactive theatre forms.

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a performance where the audience is surrounded by the world of the story

Immersive theatre embeds the audience in the story world. They may sit in seats or move freely through the space. There is often a degree of spectacle. The setting is visually compelling, often with a significant sound design. It may be an elaborate set, a real-world location, or a virtual world. In any case, the audience is surrounded by the environment of the story.

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Keith Johnstone

Presented in the form of practical experiences, this book contains a wealth of concepts and techniques that enhance the quality of improvisational work. Each of the sections—Status, Spontaneity, Narrative Skills, and Masks and Trance—is rich with examples that bring the techniques to life.

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Viola Spolin

A vast reference work that focuses on freeing the natural ability to play and perform through the use of improvisational theatre games. Also includes sections on coaching improvisation and working with children.

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Jo Salas

Presents the history, techniques, and principals of the interactive form, Playback Theatre, developed by Jonathon Fox, in which stories told by the audience are “played back” by improvisational performers. Includes chapters on ritual, use of music, and conducting.

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There are many forms of performance where interactive skills are used. Before exploring them, let’s clarify terminology. The word “interactive” and “immersive” sometimes get used interchangeably, but they describe very different things. Immersion is when the story world surrounds you. Interactivity is when participants and performers co-create the story. Both can exist within the same experience to varying degrees. The amount of interactivity and immersion varies by form. With that in mind, let’s consider the many kinds of experiences where interactive skills can be employed.

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a performed story co-created by spect-actors and inter-actors

Interactive performance is characterized by performers and participants co-creating a story while playing roles. The story may be based on a written scenario or improvised from nothing. In any case, spect-actors contribute to the narrative and affect how it plays out.

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an interactive performance presented in a theatrical setting

A common place to present an interactive performance is a theatre where the audience is seated, observing the action on a stage.

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Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance