Technology and the Theatre

Chad Bauman, Director of Marketing and Communications at Americans for the Arts, blogged about how the younger generation are quite at ease interacting through social networking platforms, and mentioning how they (the younger generation) think differently about theater entertainment. “Younger generations won’t wait while a three hour plot unfolds.” blogged Chad, “They are less likely to travel to an “elitist” regional theater to see Shakespeare. Do we have to figure out a way to deliver the content to them, rather than demanding they come to us?”

Blogging from the Theatre Communications Group National Conference, Chad was treated to Molly Smith, Artistic Director of Washington, DC’s Arena Stage, bring Second Life into the discussion. Molly talked about how technology is challenging performing arts organizations. Molly pointed out “technology has completely changed how we live. We date online. We chat online. And now artists are using virtual worlds like Second Life to screen their movies, display their artwork, etc.”

The point is the world of technology is changing our lives at such a rate… the performing arts must adapt or be left behind.

I find this another indication of how virtual world’s importance will continue to grow and influence the “real” world.