Live-streaming

Definition

Live-streaming is the process of broadcasting real-time video and audio content over the internet, allowing audiences to engage with performances as they happen. This technology has transformed how theatre productions are produced and distributed, creating new opportunities for accessibility and audience reach, while also changing the dynamics of live performance itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Live-streaming allows theatre companies to reach global audiences, breaking geographical barriers that traditionally limited attendance to local patrons.
2. The technology can enhance audience engagement by offering interactive features such as live chats and viewer polls during performances.
3. Live-streaming can provide new revenue streams for theatre companies through ticket sales for virtual attendance alongside traditional ticket sales.
4. This format allows for a diverse range of performances, from professional productions to amateur showcases, expanding the landscape of what can be considered theatrical performance.
5. The rise of live-streaming has prompted discussions about the authenticity and experience of live theatre versus recorded performances, impacting how artists and audiences perceive the value of each.

Review Questions

• How does live-streaming impact audience accessibility and engagement in theatre?
  • Live-streaming significantly enhances audience accessibility by allowing people from different locations to attend performances without the need for physical travel. It also increases engagement through interactive features like chat functions, enabling viewers to participate in discussions during the show. This change not only broadens the potential audience base but also encourages a sense of community among viewers who may not have access to traditional theatre venues.
• Discuss the financial implications of live-streaming for theatre companies and how it may influence their production choices.
  • Live-streaming offers theatre companies new financial opportunities by tapping into online ticket sales for virtual attendance. This can supplement traditional income from in-person shows, making it financially viable for productions that may struggle to fill seats. Additionally, the ability to reach larger audiences can influence production choices, encouraging companies to invest in higher quality technical elements that cater to both live and online spectators.
• Evaluate the implications of live-streaming on the future of theatrical performance and its relationship with traditional forms.
  • The integration of live-streaming into theatre challenges traditional notions of performance by blending physical presence with digital experience. This could lead to a redefinition of what constitutes 'live' art, sparking debates about authenticity and audience connection. As more theatres adopt this technology, the future may see hybrid models emerge where live performances coexist with digital formats, ultimately reshaping the landscape of theatrical art and expanding its reach in innovative ways.

Related terms

Virtual Reality (VR): A computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real way, often used in immersive theatre experiences.

On-Demand Streaming: The ability for users to watch video content at their convenience after it has been recorded and uploaded, contrasting with live-streaming which occurs in real time.

Hybrid Theatre: A form of theatre that combines live performances with digital technologies, including live-streaming, to reach wider audiences both in-person and online.