Using digital medias in Forum Theatre

4.10 2012

Short presentation

Jacob Knudsen

•The Resource Centre for Integration, The

Municipality of Vejle

•Degrees in History and theatre

•Interested in digital medias

Todays programme

A short introduction on how to use digital

medias in Forum Theatre:

- Why and what to consider?

- A few live demonstrations

- Our experience with the tecnic

Why use digital medias with Forumtheatre?

• It can be a way of working with the subjectsfor a longer time.

• Many young people use them and thinks it’sfun.

• They might feel, that for once they have the special skills needed in a project.

• It can make it easier for those, who don’t likeacting on a stage. They can instead makecomments through text, audio or video

Two important things

• Choice only the things you feel you can use.

It doesn’t have to be the entire package.

Start with one exercise and get some

experience with that. If it works, then you

can bring in more.

• Take time to discuss it with the young

people, don’t force anyone and make sure

you have all the necessary permissions.

If you have legal challenges?

• Don’t go online.

• Use tools that is controlled by the teacher

or the young person that made the video.

• Take time to discuss “good behavior on the

internet”.

• Integrate Routines where you delete

problematic material.

Using digital medias as pre-activity Tools

The easy ones

• Simply collect written notes (!)

• Send Text message

• Take pictures

Using a blog

Alternatives to blogs

Videorecord your dilemma

What ever tool you use in the Pre-phase:

• The joker will decide on which level of digital involvement would be useful to have with the specific target group. The choice shouldreflect the digital media skills of the group.

• Introducing digital tools in forum theatre doesnot mean investing in advanced equipment. Use the tools that are already available.

• Part of the preparation is to set up the digital platform and introducing it to the group.

Videorecording during the forum theatre day

A few basic rules

• Immediately before the play, check the equipment: Battery, tape/memory space, sound check, etc.

• Consider camera angles when setting up the equipment and the stage. It should be possible to see the stage and the faces of people and in a way that will not attract unnecessary attention.

• At the start of the event, explain how and why the videos will be used.

• Discuss and underscore the unacceptable use of the material afterwards.

Using it as part of the warm-up

Using it as part of the play

Digital Post-activities

Before starting

• In cases where different recordings have been

made, collect the material as soon as possible.

• Make sure that you have the editing rights to the

materials uploaded.

• Check the material to see if it needs to be edited

or shortened.

Using YouTube as tool

The first experiences with the concept

The End…