What does experimental mean to iNtuitons?
We believe that an experiment either alters the original intent of how the production is presented, or makes the production itself into non-traditional theatre. We recognize that because theatrical norms are constantly evolving, experimental theatre is too.
What comprises an experiment?
An experiment presents the contents of a play in a way that enhances the material or changes the original interpretation of the text. Some ways this may be achieved are through meaningful set/ lighting/ sound design changes, acting techniques used in the rehearsal room, and casting methods. The script may also be the experiment. See “What does it mean for a script to be experimental?” for more information. Some explanations of past experiments include:
Constellations, Fall 2016. This play portrays a love story between Marianne and Roland across several parallel universes, with two actors playing Marianne and Roland. In the iNtuitons production, eight actors memorized the roles of Marianne and Roland. The night of each performance, the audience pulled names out of a hat to randomly assign the actors to the roles and scenes that they would be playing that night. The experiment was defined by the casting of eight people to play two roles, and the random assignment of roles and scenes before each performance.
I Am A Ghost, Spring 2019. This play was an adaptation of an indie horror film, with the adaptation being written by the student director. The experiment consisted of reverse in the round staging, which was done to immerse and trap the audience in the world of the play. It also included having four actors play the memories of the main character Emily. In the production, the five actors playing various forms of Emily interacted to blur the line between reality and memory. We considered this method of exploration of Emily’s identity to be experimental.
What does it mean for a script to be experimental?
We consider a script to be experimental based on the ways in which it rejects or subverts the structure and techniques of playwriting. A script that uses unusual devices to tell a story, or doesn’t aim to tell a standard story with clear conflict and resolution, may be experimental. Ways this can be executed include unnatural language and conversation style, use of music, absurd events juxtaposed by normalcy, or magical realism. For example, breaking the fourth wall is a relatively common device in contemporary theatre and is likely not sufficient on its own to constitute an experimental script. Similarly, a strange plot is typically not enough to be an experiment.
If the script is the experimental part of the proposal, be ready to highlight key places where the experimental nature is evident and think about how that would be staged. Ask yourself how you would explain the concept of the script and what makes it experimental to someone with no knowledge of the play.
What criteria does iNtuitons use to evaluate a proposal?
We use four different criteria to evaluate the quality of a proposal: feasibility, director, experiment, and the show. See below for the kinds of questions we ask ourselves when considering each category.
Feasibility: Can we realistically satisfy the tech requirements of the show? Can we get a suitable performance space? Will there be enough rehearsal time to get through the entire show?
Director: Does the director have a clear and solid vision? Will they be a strong and collaborative presence in the rehearsal room? Can they communicate their ideas well? Do they have an idea of how to run a rehearsal?
Experiment: Is the experiment clear and well defined? Is the experiment exciting and different from shows we have done in the past three years?
Show: Is the show written in an inclusive way? Is the plot or concept exciting and interesting? What sensitive content is there, and how does the director plan to address it?
We believe that an experiment either alters the original intent of how the production is presented, or makes the production itself into non-traditional theatre. We recognize that because theatrical norms are constantly evolving, experimental theatre is too.
What comprises an experiment?
An experiment presents the contents of a play in a way that enhances the material or changes the original interpretation of the text. Some ways this may be achieved are through meaningful set/ lighting/ sound design changes, acting techniques used in the rehearsal room, and casting methods. The script may also be the experiment. See “What does it mean for a script to be experimental?” for more information. Some explanations of past experiments include:
Constellations, Fall 2016. This play portrays a love story between Marianne and Roland across several parallel universes, with two actors playing Marianne and Roland. In the iNtuitons production, eight actors memorized the roles of Marianne and Roland. The night of each performance, the audience pulled names out of a hat to randomly assign the actors to the roles and scenes that they would be playing that night. The experiment was defined by the casting of eight people to play two roles, and the random assignment of roles and scenes before each performance.
I Am A Ghost, Spring 2019. This play was an adaptation of an indie horror film, with the adaptation being written by the student director. The experiment consisted of reverse in the round staging, which was done to immerse and trap the audience in the world of the play. It also included having four actors play the memories of the main character Emily. In the production, the five actors playing various forms of Emily interacted to blur the line between reality and memory. We considered this method of exploration of Emily’s identity to be experimental.
What does it mean for a script to be experimental?
We consider a script to be experimental based on the ways in which it rejects or subverts the structure and techniques of playwriting. A script that uses unusual devices to tell a story, or doesn’t aim to tell a standard story with clear conflict and resolution, may be experimental. Ways this can be executed include unnatural language and conversation style, use of music, absurd events juxtaposed by normalcy, or magical realism. For example, breaking the fourth wall is a relatively common device in contemporary theatre and is likely not sufficient on its own to constitute an experimental script. Similarly, a strange plot is typically not enough to be an experiment.
If the script is the experimental part of the proposal, be ready to highlight key places where the experimental nature is evident and think about how that would be staged. Ask yourself how you would explain the concept of the script and what makes it experimental to someone with no knowledge of the play.
What criteria does iNtuitons use to evaluate a proposal?
We use four different criteria to evaluate the quality of a proposal: feasibility, director, experiment, and the show. See below for the kinds of questions we ask ourselves when considering each category.
Feasibility: Can we realistically satisfy the tech requirements of the show? Can we get a suitable performance space? Will there be enough rehearsal time to get through the entire show?
Director: Does the director have a clear and solid vision? Will they be a strong and collaborative presence in the rehearsal room? Can they communicate their ideas well? Do they have an idea of how to run a rehearsal?
Experiment: Is the experiment clear and well defined? Is the experiment exciting and different from shows we have done in the past three years?
Show: Is the show written in an inclusive way? Is the plot or concept exciting and interesting? What sensitive content is there, and how does the director plan to address it?