I guess I should be honest - most of these questions aren't asked, but I through creating a FAQ-like document (a faux-FAQ?), I could help answer some basic questions without forcing someone to wait for me to email back.
PLEASE email me if you'd like to see something added to this document. I do enjoy talking to people on this subject, adn while replied may not be immediate (why this was created), I'll get back to you as soon as I can. --Aaron
What is Interactive Theatre?
Troupes involved in Interactive Theatre find ways to have the characters they portray interact with the audience as a core port of their performance. Some will have a question and answer period, some will have audience members become directly involved in the scene work. Probably the most common entertainment version of interactive theatre is the '' How to Host a Mystery" series of games and your local Renaissance Festival.
Is it all Educationally Based?
No, but for the purpose of this FAQ, we will not be dealing with the pure entertainment variety.
What Topics are Usually Covered?
Anything that can cause an audience to engage in a discussion. Some common topics are: sexual decision making, rape and sexual assault, family relations, and drug use.
While the most common use of interactive theatre is as a Topic 101 introduction piece, because of its ability to engage a large number of people in topics not often discussed frankly, more specialized programs are also used, to cover issues more in depth (such as the social implications of a sexual assault, presented to a Woman's Studies class at a college).
Often scenes can be adapted in a matter of a few rehearsals to work with areas and situations specifically requested, such as stressing the effects of alcohol use to a greater extent (see Structured Improv).
How Do I Find a Local Troupe?
Aaron Propes maintans a list of interactive theatre troupes at www2.bitstream.net/~alpropes/list.html that deals with issues concerning rape and sexual assault. Many of these troupes also have scenes that deal with other topics, or may know of a troupe that does.
You can also try calling local educational and advocacy groups for references. School districts and colleges often have a list of educational programs available.
I'm in a troupe and want to be listed, how can I go about doing that?
Simply send an email to alpropes@bitstream.net and include contact information for your troupe. Phone numbers are not published for security reasons unless the phone number is a dedicated business line.
Currently the list only has troupes from the United States, this is not by design and troupes outside the U.S. are heartily encouraged to add themselves to the list.
There is no charge for being added to the list, but it is asked that you send updated information when it becomes available as information is not validated.
How Do I Start My Own Troupe?
Recommended reading would be a list of hints and tips compiled from experience at www2.bitstream.net/~alpropes/hints.html . Also try contacting people from the interactive theatre list referenced above. Most of those groups would be glad to lend any assistance they can.
Are There Any Scripts Available for Purchase?
None that I am currently aware of, although often interactive theatre troupes can also engage in traditional theatre where there are scripts available for purchase. In many cases, structured improvisation allows troupes to dispense with scripts, and create their own unique, realistic scenes.
What Is "Structured Improvisation"?
The best way for me to describe structured improvisation is to walk through a scene is created:
1. Based on what general message (ie: What is rape?) the scene is to convey, the actors create a list of specific items that should be covered as well as secondary issues that can be addressed in future or for more advanced audiences. Examples: power issues, seduction vs. coercion vs. rape, use of alcohol and drugs, use of pornography and other means of creating an "us vs. them" atmosphere, etc.
2. Characters are created, as well as background stories: how long have they known each other, personal histories, etc. A rudimentary idea of an order of events for the scene is created.
3. Using the information from 1. and 2., the actors improvise the scene, building off each successive run until comfortable with the content, action, and dialogue.
Using this method a scene created from scratch can have a working outline in 1-3 rehearsals, and a performance-ready scene in a matter of weeks (depending on actor preparation, type of scene, and amount of tine spent on it).
What Ages Is This Appropriate For?
Don't limit yourself to one type of "theatre." I recall in elementary school interacting with puppet shows that people brought into the classroom. If you're worried about the content, contact the parents or supervisors of your target audience for feedback.
Is This Format OK for Single-Gendered Audiences?
Yes, but be sure to match your scenework and issues toward that particular gender.
How Do I Go About Getting Funding?
It's a sad truth that everything costs money, even volunteering. Weather your need is for publicity, accommodations, or a paid coordinator (something very common when dealing with the school system), you will need funds. See if an existing, established organization can take you under their wing, preferably one that already accepts volunteers. They will probably be very familiar with the grant and fund raising processes.
What's the Difference Between a Scene and a Skit?
This isn't a frequently asked question, just a pet peeve <grin>. The term skit implies something thrown together, and not worthy of being professional (like Saturday Night Live). As actors in these programs, we spend a great deal of time training (both dramatically, and for the subjects we deal with), creating and perfecting our scenes and performances. For that reason I never use the word skit in conjunction with what we do, but instead use the term scene to denote the pride we take in our work.