Objective
Guide trainers in leading a session that helps participants effectively integrate videogaming elements into live theater, enhancing interactivity, storytelling, and audience engagement.
- Preparation (10 minutes)
- Objective: Set up space and materials to demonstrate gaming integration in theater.
- Steps:
- Choose a relevant game engine or platform (e.g., Unity, Twine, Unreal Engine).
- Prepare a short demo or scene that includes gaming elements (e.g., choices, interaction, digital environments).
- Set up necessary equipment: computers, projectors, controllers, audio, internet.
Checklist:
- Software installed and pre-tested
- Sample game scenes/theater scripts prepared
- Space arranged for projection and performance
- Introduction to Concept (15 minutes)
- Objective: Clarify how videogaming mechanics can be used in live performance.
- Steps:
- Present examples of game-theater hybrids and discuss the purpose (e.g., audience choice, character stats, branching narrative).
- Highlight the inclusion of elements such as points, badges, leaderboards, and challenges to create interactive and captivating experiences
- Develop mobile websites (or apps) that allow audiences to get involved: e.g. quests, tasks, puzzles, etc.
- Use AR methods within the theater experience to blur lines between the digital and the physical world and to create immersive and interactive experiences.
- Use gamification methods in the marketing and promotion of a performance
- Explore theoretical concepts such as player/character alignment, operant conditioning and self-determination theory.
- Show short clips or live demos of game-influenced theater moments.
Trainer Tip: Try to use as many real examples as possible to minimize the risk of getting too abstract and difficult to understand.
- Hands-On Exploration (30 minutes)
- Objective: Let participants design or develop a piece using gamification methods.
- Steps:
- Break into small groups: assign each group a game mechanic (e.g. quest, challenge, leaderboards, rewards puzzles).
- Task them with adapting a short theatrical scene using that mechanic.
- Groups rehearse and perform scenes for feedback.
Trainer Tip: Focus on how game logic and gamification techniques reshapes narrative flow, character motivation and audience engagement.
- Creative Applications and Pitfalls (15 minutes)
- Objective: Deepen understanding of possibilities and challenges.
- Steps:
- Discuss scalability: small games vs. complex integrations.
- Highlight tech challenges: syncing cues, tech failure, audience confusion.
- Explore solutions: backups, actor improvisation, analog alternatives.
- Adapt to personal creative practice: how could these techniques be used in their work?
- Wrap-Up and Feedback (10 minutes)
- Objective: Reflect and prepare for continued experimentation.
- Steps:
- Recap key strategies: game elements as structure/tools, not just aesthetics.
- Offer links to relevant tools.
- Collect feedback and suggestions for future training needs.
Post-Training Follow-Up
- Share templates or starter projects
- Create a forum or chat group for sharing experiments
- Offer optional review session after one week
Trainer Tip: Encourage hybrid-thinking: how can games inspire form, not just content? Focus on the possibilities of gamification within performing arts for both the artists and the audience.