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All the World’s a Screen
Getting the Most from Virtual TheatreBy Chris McRae
Chris McRae is a drama educator from Perth, Western Australia who works with both high school and community theatre. In 2020, Chris established Perth At Home Theatre Inc. and has directed and acted in multiple projects since its inception. He is passionate about creating innovative live and digital theatre projects.
As a drama educator, teacher, director, and performer, the global pandemic has definitely changed the way I have approached theatre. The collaboration and connections I’ve been able to forge with fellow performing arts enthusiasts and creatives is what I love most about theatre. Although the pandemic has restricted this in many ways, this connection and camaraderie does not need to disappear.
Over the last nine months of 2020, I’ve been involved in the performance, production, and/or planning process for four separate Virtual Theatre projects, each with its own challenges, outcomes, and rewards. It is to this end that I would like to share my top tips for tackling digital theatre and virtual shows. Whether out of a classroom, bedroom, or with your cast separated by geography, anything is possible if you cover all your bases. And what may seem an unrealistic challenge can turn into a rewarding and enriching experience for all involved.
Here are my top tips for tackling digital theatre.
Choose the right script. It is important, as with any show or production, to choose a script that will work best for your circumstances. The same holds true with Virtual Theatre. If your cast members are separated by distance and connection via video conference is the only option, I definitely recommend sticking with a play written for Virtual Theatre. Consider picking an episodic or monologue-based script that allows your cast some creative control. Monologue-driven scripts are great as cast members can take ownership of everything from setting, props, and costuming whilst checking in with the director virtually. If you have siblings as part of your cast, consider scripts with both monologues and duologues to allow for some collaboration.
With a Virtual Theatre script, it is even more important to consider the strengths of your cast members and the roles available. If it is possible to have small groups together, consider a script like Pioneer Drama’s The Virtual Family, which can be played as a hybrid of virtual and in-person scenes.
At the end of the day, consider who you have to work with, their strengths, and what will give them the most rewarding experience.
Keep technology accessible and flexibile. It’s important to consider the range of technology you have access to when selecting a virtual show to produce. Schools will have a large range of clientele, socio-economic factors, and contextual backgrounds to consider. If you are working with students who have limited access to technology or internet services, you may consider a script or show where you can work with students individually via Facetime or Zoom, or even look at one-on-one or in-person filming sessions during which they deliver and film their scene(s).
A radio play may also be an option if students have access to an audio recording function on a phone, or a more traditional audio recording device if reliable internet access is a challenge.
There is always a way around challenges or limitations with technology. Virtual Theatre can be done with the simplest of technological resources and still provide excellent results.
Identify your vision for the show. In order to make the final product look sharp, be really clear from the outset in regard to your directorial vision. Yes, this is still an important element to consider for Virtual Theatre. You may wish to have it filmed in a certain ratio or with specific camera shots (full body, close-up). But whatever you do, always encourage performers to film or engage in Zoom recordings horizontally. This not only ensures that clips are full screen, but also helps to maintain a professional consistency to the performance.
If you are working with students, written and video-based templates and examples will be your best friend as this will give them a concrete example of what you expect. Pioneer Drama has plenty of videos of virtual productions posted on their website. For adults or more experienced casts, an information session or one-on-one meetings outlining expectations, vision, and style would be beneficial.
Be adaptable. It is so important to be adaptable throughout the production of Virtual Theatre. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to troubleshooting. Audio levels, location, lighting, environment and weather, background noise... the list is endless! With this in mind, be open to change and be willing to alter processes, ideas, or logistics with little to no notice.
And always have a backup plan if you plan to film outside. Check the weather forecast and consider things like rain, wind, and bright sunlight. All of these elements may help or hinder your outcome depending on what you are aiming to achieve. Even indoor filming can be problematic with other members of the household (both human and animal) having the potential to create havoc or cause a disturbance. Be sure that filming or recording happens in a quiet location with little to no chance of being disturbed. But if disturbances happen, that’s life! You can always creatively work it into the story. Remember, most performers are great improvisers!
Build a support network. It is essential in Virtual Theatre to build a solid team of creatives who not only possess the skills required to produce great digital theatre, but who are also flexible, fully committed to the process, and are willing to go along with any and all ideas... no matter how crazy they may seem! Along with a director with a clear vision and plan for execution, it is essential to have some sort of technical liaison, someone who knows how to operate cameras and editing software. There are so many online resources available to upskill in programs and software necessary for Virtual Theatre, and having a person dedicated to managing the technical side of your project will be invaluable.
Many hands make light work. It is important to have like-minded people who can assist with cast members (either in-person or virtually) and provide support in odd jobs that will no doubt pop up during the process. It’s also great to have people to bounce ideas off of when speed bumps inevitably appear. But even if you are flying solo and have to be director, tech director, and stage manager, make sure you leave time on your virtual rehearsals to build the camaraderie and the sense of family and connection that tends to come with drama productions. In this time of isolation, it’s more important than ever.
All in all, Virtual Theatre feels different with cast members who are isolated. But it’s still possible to create and build connections. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith and tackle a digital production. Have fun and remember, all the world’s a screen!

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane...
This virtual play has very simple production needs and is great for any group that has no previous experience with virtual productions.

The Virtual Family
Meet the Virtuals — Dad, Mom, Son, Daughter, Grandma, plus a cat named Kitten and a kitten named Cat. Part Griswalds, part Jetsons, they’re just an ordinary family living in extraordinary times.

A Sherlock Holmes Radio Mystery
Fast‑paced and funny, meticulous and mysterious, this fun, small‑cast radio play can easily come together remotely or in‑person.

If They Could Talk...
In this short play written specifically to be performed virtually, teenager Taylor quickly learns to navigate a world in which the objects and animals around her talk back.