What are some of the challenges and benefits of working with natural or outdoor venues?

1 Location and logistics

One of the first challenges of working with natural or outdoor venues is finding and securing a suitable location that meets your artistic vision, budget, and technical requirements. You may need to obtain permits, insurance, and permissions from the landowners, authorities, or communities involved. You also need to plan for the transportation, storage, and setup of your equipment, props, and costumes, as well as the accessibility, safety, and comfort of your cast, crew, and audience.

2 Weather and climate

Another challenge of working with natural or outdoor venues is dealing with the unpredictable and variable weather and climate conditions. You may need to prepare for rain, wind, heat, cold, humidity, or other factors that can affect your performance, your equipment, and your audience. You may need to have backup plans, contingency measures, or flexible schedules in case of weather emergencies or cancellations. You may also need to adapt your stage makeup and hair to suit the different temperatures, light levels, and moisture levels.

3 Sound and lighting

A third challenge of working with natural or outdoor venues is creating and controlling the sound and lighting effects for your show. You may need to cope with the ambient noise, echoes, or interference from the surrounding environment, such as traffic, animals, or other events. You may need to use special sound equipment, microphones, speakers, or amplifiers to ensure the clarity and quality of your audio. You may also need to use different lighting techniques, sources, or filters to enhance the mood and visibility of your show, depending on the time of day, the season, or the natural light available.

4 Audience and atmosphere

On the other hand, working with natural or outdoor venues can also offer some unique benefits and opportunities for theatrical production. One of them is the possibility of creating a more immersive and interactive experience for your audience. You can use the natural or outdoor setting to create a sense of realism, intimacy, or spectacle for your show. You can also invite your audience to participate, explore, or engage with your show in different ways, such as moving around, choosing their own perspective, or interacting with the actors or the environment.

5 Creativity and innovation

Another benefit of working with natural or outdoor venues is the chance to unleash your creativity and innovation as a theatrical producer. You can use the natural or outdoor setting as a source of inspiration, challenge, or experimentation for your show. You can also explore different genres, styles, or formats of theatre that suit the natural or outdoor venue, such as site-specific, immersive, environmental, or promenade theatre. You can also collaborate with other artists, disciplines, or media to create a multidisciplinary or multimedia show.

6 Education and awareness

A final benefit of working with natural or outdoor venues is the opportunity to educate and raise awareness about the natural or outdoor environment and the issues related to it. You can use your show to convey a message, a theme, or a story that relates to the natural or outdoor setting, such as ecology, conservation, history, culture, or social justice. You can also use your show to showcase the beauty, diversity, and value of the natural or outdoor environment and to encourage your audience to appreciate, respect, and protect it.

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?