Making Site-Specific Theatre and Performance: A Handbook

by Phil Smith

Overview

This practical, accessible and far-reaching guide to making site-specific theatre and performance emphasises the diversity of approaches to the practice, and explores key principles of space and site. Phil Smith draws on a wide range of interdisciplinary and international performance examples, and uses an innovative variety of exercises, to show students and aspiring performance-makers how to find a site and generate a performance beyond the theatre building.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350316461
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	09/27/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	264
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Phil Smith is Associate Professor (Reader) at Plymouth University, UK. He is a performance-maker, writer and ambulatory researcher. He is a core member of Wrights&Sites and co-author of their 'The Architect-Walker' (2018), and company dramaturg for Munich-based TNT Theatre. His previous publications include 'Rethinking Mythogeography in Northfield, Minnesota' (2018, with photographer John Schott), 'Anywhere' (2017), 'Walking Stumbling Limping Falling' (2017, with poet Alyson Hallett), 'A Footbook of Zombie Walking' and 'Walking's New Movement' (2015), 'On Walking' and 'Enchanted Things' (2014), 'Counter-Tourism: The Handbook' (2012) and 'Mythogeography' (2010).

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Arriving: a fluid sort of prologue
Part I: Finding a site
1.Why make Site
Specific Performance?
2.Drifting and quest: in search of sites
3.Journey performances
4.What is a site?
Part II: Generating Performance
5.Visiting your site
6.Site Aesthetics
7.Personae, presences, characters
Part III: Shaping A Production
8.Dramaturgy
9. Scenographies and Enchanted Objects
10. Communities, Audiences and Immersion
11. Technology
12.Site Etiquette
Bibliography

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Phil Smith is a unique and eclectic guide with a vast knowledge of site-specific performance. In this book he conveys this knowledge in such a way that inspires and playfully encourages us to find our own approach to making this kind of performance, with confidence, in his guidance. – Andrew Houston, University of Waterloo, Canada

An invaluable resource for artists and teachers; combining insightful scholarship, creative exercises, and revealing accounts of practice. Perfect for those studying or making performance, within and beyond a range of practices including site-specific, immersive, walking and outdoor art practices. – Philip Stanier, University of Winchester, UK

Editorial Reviews

Phil Smith is a unique and eclectic guide with a vast knowledge of site-specific performance. In this book he conveys this knowledge in such a way that inspires and playfully encourages us to find our own approach to making this kind of performance, with confidence, in his guidance.” —Andrew Houston, University of Waterloo, Canada

“An invaluable resource for artists and teachers; combining insightful scholarship, creative exercises, and revealing accounts of practice. Perfect for those studying or making performance, within and beyond a range of practices including site-specific, immersive, walking and outdoor art practices.” —Philip Stanier, University of Winchester, UK

From the Publisher