Backstage Pass is a new initiative which allows high school students to observe theatre professionals at work, remotely from their classroom before viewing the actual show.
Using two-way streaming video technology Zoom, students will not only be able to watch an actual rehearsal but also talk to actors, designers, directors and crew directly from their classroom.
Shannon Colbert, Theatre Education Liaison, advised that this new theatre initiative was first trialled last year as cast and crew prepared for the play Grounded. Elaborating "we wanted to give the students a richer experience than just coming to see a show.''
It proved to be such a success the Fortune Theatre is aiming to run this project every year alongside relevant shows.
This year Backstage Pass is focused on Twelfth Night (runs from 1 – 22 July) and Into the Woods (5 – 26 August).
Twelfth Night is being produced in conjunction with the University of Otago Theatre Studies students and Into the Woods is a collaboration with Design students from the Otago Polytechnic. Both will provide a particularly worthwhile experience for the high school students.
The Fortune Theatre hopes that the Backstage Pass will engage a new generation of theatre-goers and inspire future theatre practitioners by giving them a behind the scenes look at the workings of a professional theatre and a firsthand view of what a career in theatre can look like.
If you are a teacher and would like to know how to bring live theatre to your classroom please email Shannon Colbert.
Backstage Pass has been developed thanks to a GigCity Community Fund Grant in association with Chorus. It has been designed to use technology to overcome logistical and financial barriers to gaining valuable learning experiences at the theatre.
All photos by Philippa Crick, Cre8ive Marketing
