The Digital Stage
Tools that were once the preserve of professional theatres with substantial budgets are now available to educators and students alike. Drama and Theatre Studies Teacher Nick Waxman shares his recommendations on the most useful software available.
The integration of technology in theatre can be traced back to the Deus Ex Machina (meaning ‘god from a machine’) of Ancient Greece, and the intricate puppetry of Sanskrit theatre. These early innovations set the stage for a continuous evolution, where each era brought its own advancements.
Recent updates to our technological arsenal have enhanced our creative processes significantly, making sophisticated theatrical tools more accessible and user-friendly. This has not only enriched the quality of productions but has also opened new avenues for teaching and learning in drama.
What follows, are some examples of user-friendly technologies that can be effectively utilised in the classroom or on stage.
QR Codes: Interactive Engagement
One of the simplest yet most effective technologies I've adopted is the use of QR codes. These codes can transform traditional theatre programs into portals to a wealth of additional content. Imagine audience members scanning a code to access backstage videos, detailed character backgrounds, or even augmented reality experiences. This technology has enabled us to extend the theatrical experience beyond the stage, adding layers of engagement and interactivity.
They have also helped us with poster design, audition information and sign up, end of class take-aways, class surveys and so much more. If you want information in someone’s hand, and on their phone forever, pop up a QR code and get them scanning.
Multiplay: Democratising Sound Design
A standout tool for me is Multiplay, a free alternative to QLab. This software is a boon in educational settings, particularly due to its ease of use and accessibility. In classrooms, I've seen students quickly master Multiplay, using it to manage complex sound cues for their productions. Its user-friendly interface encourages experimentation, allowing young tech enthusiasts to create professional-level soundscapes without the burden of cost.
Chat GPT and DALL-E: Crafting Visuals with AI
The possibilities of AI in theatre are endless. Tools like Chat GPT can generate creative content, while DALL-E can be leveraged to design stunning posters. With a few prompts, these AI tools can produce captivating visuals, significantly reducing the time and effort required in traditional design processes. In my experience, these tools have not only streamlined our promotional efforts but also inspired our students to explore their creativity.
Chat GPT can do so much more than write limericks about Brecht in the style of Dr Seuss. It can be used to help write professional email replies when your temper is high, it can suggest and help you develop well formatted rubrics on a huge range of topics, edit and suggest ideas for class or program notes, and so much more it’s ridiculous. Try it and I challenge you to find it something it can’t do with text, numbers and information.
(I have found a few things it can’t do. It gets very confused with a number of things so do check the work as it sometimes makes things up. But these are rare.)
Tinkercad: 3D Set Design for All Ages
Incorporating Tinkercad into our set design process has been a revelation. This intuitive CAD tool is suitable for users of all ages, making it an excellent resource for high school and upper primary students. They can design intricate sets digitally and then bring these designs to life through 3D printing. This hands-on approach to set design is not just educational; it's a fun and engaging way to involve students in the creative process.
Canva: Unlocking Creativity with Ease
Canva has been a cornerstone tool for us, offering hundreds of free templates, fonts, and images. What makes Canva so valuable is its ease of use, coupled with the ability to inspire creativity. Whether it's designing posters, programs, flyers, or digital content, Canva's vast resource pool has enabled our teams to produce high-quality visual materials without needing extensive graphic design skills.
Adobe Premiere Rush: Video Editing Made Simple
For video editing, Adobe Premiere Rush has been a useful tool when creating video content in class or on the go - especially with its availability on phones. This free tool allows us to create high-quality videos complete with transitions and title screens effortlessly. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible to beginners, and its powerful features are sufficient for more advanced projects. Using Rush, we've been able to produce videos for our 60-minute Found Footage Film Festival, and educational videos made by students on core class topics.
Spotify's Podcaster App: Simplifying Podcast Creation
The 'Podcasters' app from Spotify has allowed for a new approach to audio storytelling. Creating podcasts has become a simple, streamlined process, allowing us to focus on content rather than technicalities. In the classroom, this tool has been invaluable, enabling students to produce their podcasts with just a few clips. This hands-on experience with audio storytelling has not only been educational but also incredibly fun for the students.
Moreover, this app is particularly beneficial for students who may feel less confident speaking in front of their peers. Podcasting offers a more comfortable platform for these students to express themselves, helping them develop vital voice and expression skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
This approach is wonderfully effective in drama education, as it encourages students to explore different aspects of vocal performance, including tone, emotion, and clarity, without the immediate stress of a live audience. As they grow more comfortable with their voices and storytelling abilities, students often find their confidence in public speaking and performance naturally improving.
The Digital Stage Awaits
My journey with technology in theatre has been nothing short of transformative. The future of theatre looks bright, promising a blend of tradition and innovation.
The digital stage is set, and I eagerly anticipate the innovative ways we will continue to use technology to enhance the magical world of theatre.
I'm a fervent advocate of technology, seamlessly integrating it into my personal, creative, and professional life. As the host of 'The Aside Podcast', I utilise both software and hardware to connect with people globally and record interviews with extraordinary guests. Additionally, I've developed over 100 interactive digital drama lessons with the Department of Education Victoria.
This series, titled ‘Drama Victoria Presents…’, covers an extensive range of drama curriculum topics, from Status to Scripts to Empathy.
https://www.dramavictoria.vic.edu.au/resources/the-aside-podcast/
Images: Nick Waxman used many of the softwares mentioned here in his school production of The SpongeBob Musical at Haileybury College in Melbourne, which was nominated for 26 drama awards. Photographer: Pia Johnson.