Technology Augmented Props: Tangible User Interfaces for Performer-Controlled Technical Elements in Improvised Theatre

Date
2019-07-24
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Abstract
While improvised theatre (improv) is often performed on a bare stage, improvisers sometimes incorporate physical props and technical elements to inspire new directions for a scene and to enrich their performance. For improvising technical elements such as light and sound, a control booth is used in a theatre space. However, coordinating with improvisers’ action on-stage is challenging as there is a disconnect between the technicians and the performers. My goal is to inform the design of a technology augmented prop that brings the capabilities of the control booth directly to the hands of the performers as a tangible user interface. I interviewed five professional improvisers about their use of physical props and technical elements in improv, and their expectations of performer-controlled technology. I propose a set of guidelines for the design of a technology augmented prop that is integrated into the existing world of improvised theatre.
Description
Keywords
Improvised Theater, Performer-Controlled Technology, Tangible User Interfaces, Interaction Design, Technical Theatre, Props
Citation
Mikalauskas, C. (2019). Technology Augmented Props: Tangible User Interfaces for Performer-Controlled Technical Elements in Improvised Theatre (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.