Street theatre

From ArticleWorld

Street Theatre is a form of theatre that is performed in an outdoor setting, in front of an audience. People often do not pay to watch it. It is also called “Outdoor Theatre”.

Theatre Elements

In street theatre the stage can be any space that allows the play to be performed. Modern plays will take place anywhere, from shopping centres to squares. In most cases the location is chosen based on the number of possible viewers. As this is a form of performing art, just like regular theatre, it needs an audience. By choosing a stage that is not properly located in an area that allows it, then there will be no play. The actors involved in street theatre can be either independent or a part of a larger company. The reason for the play to be performed can be characterized based on the pay received:

• paid street theatre – the plays take place in fairs and organized events or are a form of promoting a larger indoor show;
• unpaid street theatre – plays are done either by amateurs or professionals that want to promote a message or an action.

Differences

When performing in an outdoor area there are a number of differences that are obvious when compared to indoor performances. The first ones that can be noticed is the lack or minimal impact of light and sound. Usually there will be no lighting interface and, if there is sound usage, it will be reduced to a simple stereo. Costumes and props will also have to be simple and over using them can prove difficult. The main word when performing in a street theatre play is “improvisation”. The actors have learnt their lines and know what to do but they will also have to improvise based on what happens and the public's reactions. It is the one form of theatre (leaving aside Improv. Shows) where the connection between the actor and the audience consists as the most important factor. If the people do not like what an actor is doing they will simply leave. The performer will have to use its voice at a higher degree and implementations of popular aspects such as dancing and singing are used to draw the public.

Exceptions

Not all outdoor performances are street theatre. For instance, a group of actors can play “Romeo and Juliet” on an outdoor stage with sound and lights systems involved as normal. In that case they will charge a ticket and it is not street theatre any more.