Process

Initially, we thought of doing a performance where a computer projects abstract visuals with some randomness, and the performers have to respond to them (for example, by following the position of a zigzagging line as it descends). We wanted to include more audience participation, so we decided to incorporate elements from Choose Your Own Adventure, where the audience is the source of the randomization. We eventually shifted to more of a narrative performance and wrote a script with various paths that could be followed. We reworked the projected visuals to be more of a background for the story, so the script writer and visual designer worked together closely on this part.

We practiced several times to make sure the narration and actions were clean and consistent. Since the story had multiple paths, this was somewhat challenging, as there were several different scenarios that we had to prepare for. We used the non-performing group members as a stand-in for the audience while practicing in order to explore all the possibilities.

The props were created after running through the script and discussing what would make the performance more effective. One group member had the idea to dump a can of beans into a bucket to create a sound effect for vomiting, which ended up being one of the strongest parts of the performance.