TheatreTEKLearn. Share. Grow

A technical theatre learning forum

The Problem Statement

• Proficiency in technical theatre is not obvious. In addition to designing and building a set for a particular show, those involved in this field must also design and implement a plan for lighting and sound. • Within tight production schedules, there is little time to teach inexperienced

people.• Unfortunately, the costliness of these materials and tools is expensive and

trial and error is impractical and could be dangerous.• Resources/information is available online, but it is scattered and difficult to

ascertain what is important.

What is happening?So, while the arts and other STEM activities are becoming more and more necessary, resources at the high school level and below are not accessible for immediate practice.

With no formal education, working within technical theatre is next to impossible.

Time, cost, and knowledge are all roadblocks to a rewarding experience in technical theatre.

These kids look lost, but don’t worry, we will find the way!

Solution

• I am going to develop an online forum with the focus of learning technical theatre. • Information will be assembled in one location for users to

have a resource that delves into all aspects of technical theatre.• Users will also be able to share and ask questions and

become involved in a community that thrives when individuals communicate and share.

What else is out there?

• There are various resources for learning on the internet. There is a popular forum that has a lot of content but it has a distinct lack of foundational knowledge because of its reactive nature (things are shared when someone posts a question).• There are courses available but they are costly.• Videos on YouTube are also available but at times are either

hard to follow, not specific enough, or unprofessional.

Immediate Goals within the MALET program

• Provide the framework for the forum and find ways for users to propagate more information. • Allow forum users to see

a theatre production from start to finish.

From this…

To This!

What is needed for this?

• Professional, attractive content (in the form of digital videos, images, diagrams, etc.) that is tailor made for novice learners.• Content created in a way that is accessible for all

learners.• The ability to share this content on a medium that is

available for interested parties.

Where will the content come from?

• I have an amazing opportunity to with the ability to record and document the work I do. I can not only create content to my specifications, I have ownership over all the content I make.

• In my studies in the MALET program, I have been able to evaluate digital media for its effectiveness and I have utilized these principles to create my own work.

Beginnings…

But why an Online Forum?

• Within my experience in theatre so far, a successful production is due to the collaboration and cooperation of all of those involved. • Successful online forums are dependent upon users feeling

like a community-sharing and helping others, similar traits found in a cohesive production.

Focusing in during preparation

• During my literature review I will search to substantiate my rationale for using an online forum for reaching my intended audience. I will also seek to answer these questions:

• How to generate an audience for an online forum? How to bring in users and keep them in?

• Are there ways to lower user trepidation and get them to freely participate?• To what extent does sharing effect the content that is learned? How important

is the sharing to the whole experience? • What are some 21st century ideals necessary in creating enthralling content?

Recap on this “Fresh Idea”• Technical theatre can be seen as a STEM course,

which has gained popularity in education as of late. • It is a difficult thing to pick up, can be costly and

requires a vetted teacher to administer a course.• Without specific school training, those interested

can learn from the internet but the information is scattered, at times incomplete, and unprofessional(sloppy).

• My solution is an online forum that focuses on education first and highly prioritizes sharing and community.

• My research will not only substantiate my reasoning for developing an online forum but allow me to create a successful one.