How can you innovate theatrical production?

1 Explore new formats

One way to innovate theatrical production is to experiment with different formats and styles of theatre, such as immersive, interactive, site-specific, devised, or digital. These formats can offer new possibilities for storytelling, audience participation, and creative expression. For example, immersive theatre creates a realistic and immersive environment for the audience to explore and interact with the actors and the story. Interactive theatre invites the audience to influence the outcome of the performance by making choices, voting, or playing roles. Site-specific theatre uses a non-traditional venue or location as the setting and inspiration for the performance. Devised theatre is created collaboratively by the performers and the director, often based on a theme, a stimulus, or a question. Digital theatre incorporates technology, such as video, projection, or online platforms, to enhance or transform the theatrical experience.

2 Collaborate with others

Another way to innovate theatrical production is to collaborate with other artists, disciplines, or communities, and learn from their perspectives, skills, and experiences. Collaboration can enrich your creative process, challenge your assumptions, and broaden your audience. For example, you can collaborate with musicians, dancers, visual artists, or filmmakers to create a multidisciplinary performance that combines different forms of expression. You can also collaborate with experts, activists, or groups that are relevant to your topic or theme, and incorporate their knowledge, insights, or stories into your performance. You can also collaborate with your audience, and invite them to contribute their ideas, feedback, or co-creation before, during, or after the performance.

3 Experiment with content

A third way to innovate theatrical production is to experiment with the content and message of your performance, and explore new topics, themes, or genres that interest you or resonate with your audience. You can use your performance as a platform to express your voice, share your vision, or address a social or personal issue. You can also use your performance as a way to challenge, entertain, or educate your audience, and provoke their emotions, thoughts, or actions. For example, you can experiment with comedy, satire, or parody to make fun of or criticize a situation or a phenomenon. You can also experiment with drama, tragedy, or horror to create suspense, tension, or catharsis. You can also experiment with documentary, biography, or history to present facts, figures, or events in a theatrical way.

4 Learn from others

A fourth way to innovate theatrical production is to learn from other theatrical producers, directors, or practitioners, and discover their methods, techniques, or tips for creating and presenting innovative performances. You can learn from others by attending workshops, courses, or masterclasses, where you can gain practical skills, knowledge, or feedback from experts or peers. You can also learn from others by watching, reading, or listening to their performances, scripts, or interviews, where you can observe, analyze, or appreciate their work and style. You can also learn from others by networking, joining, or creating a community of theatrical producers, where you can exchange ideas, resources, or opportunities.

5 Evaluate your results

A fifth way to innovate theatrical production is to evaluate your results and measure your impact, and learn from your successes and failures. Evaluation can help you improve your performance, understand your audience, and achieve your goals. You can evaluate your results by collecting and analyzing data, such as attendance, revenue, feedback, or reviews, and using them to assess your performance quality, audience satisfaction, or social or artistic value. You can also evaluate your results by reflecting and documenting your process, such as your challenges, solutions, or discoveries, and using them to identify your strengths, weaknesses, or areas for improvement.

6 Keep innovating

A sixth way to innovate theatrical production is to keep innovating and never stop exploring, experimenting, or learning. Innovation is not a one-time event, but a continuous journey of creativity and growth. You can keep innovating by staying curious, open-minded, and flexible, and by seeking new challenges, opportunities, or inspirations. You can also keep innovating by celebrating your achievements, acknowledging your limitations, and embracing your mistakes. Innovation is not only a way to create and present theatrical performances, but also a way to express yourself, connect with others, and make a difference.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?