Set Up – Discarded Performance Idea
The title has a double meaning.
A comedy solo performance about the technical side of the theatre, setting the stage for a performance (the get in) and playing with perception and visual illusion.
The performance will use two locations, one that the audience are in, and another that the performer will use that the audience have a limited view of. The audience will stand in the corridor, outside of the auditorium’s entrance, as if queueing up to take their seats.
The first time the performer leaves the space, going into the auditorium, a projected screen will flicker onto the wall showing the theatre’s empty stage.
Throughout the performance, the Techie will travel in and out of the two spaces collecting and placing props and set for ‘the show’ that is to come. These items will change form/shape/size/colour when the doors close between the audience and performer, out of view of the stage projection. Periodically, the performer may also change clothes/makeup/hair or become a completely different person when returning to the audience.
The performer will interact with the audience at the beginning of the performance, apologising for delay/incorrection of ‘the show’s’ starting time. They will offer the audience the chance to leave, either to completely leave, or kill some time getting a coffee, wait in the foyer/bar, etc. this will give the audience chance to come and go as they please, making each experience individual, (and I would plan a fake walk out audience member just in case).
Throughout the performance the Techie will make small casual conversation with the audience, getting them to interact with the performance.
This can be done by:
– Getting an audience member to hold the door to the auditorium open.
– Dropping a box of props right in front of an audience member – could leave them to pick up the items as the techie stands around talking to other audience members.
– Explain to the people queuing for ‘the show’ that the performer is late and therefore the lighting is unfinished. Convince an audience member to enter the theatre and stand on the stage to help focus the spotlight and get them to repeat, then act, a couple of ‘the show’s’ absurd cue lines.
The performance will end with the Techie closing the stages curtains and playing the LPAC theatre announcement. At this point, the projected screen will flicker off and all the audience members in the corridor (except from the walk out(s)) will have their tickets taken off them.