“Digital Theatre” addresses the immense challenges affecting the cultural sector as a result of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, whose effects expected to last for the foreseeable future and may have a lasting impact in the culture sector that is suffering both artistically and financially. As a result, theatre professionals (actors, technicians, playwriters and others) are struggling to remain active, relevant and sustain theatrical operations. In addition to the above, theatre non-professionals are also experiencing adversity as they can no longer function in the way that was possible before the pandemic. The hindrances affecting both professionals and non professionals, ultimately lead to a cultural decline and stagnation, at a time when culture and art are needed more than ever. The project offers both theater professional and non professionals the tools needed to transform their art into a digital context in order to ensure resiliency and continuity and even progress despite the restrictions in place. Digital theatre offers a comprehensive set of tools for theatre professionals in order to ensure their smooth transition onto the digital realm, by providing an integrated methodology, a complete curriculum, the insight and experience of contextualization to each partner country, an e-learning course, and a set of resources (Guide) suitable for non-professionals. The project aims at: -Supporting 60 theater professionals that face difficulties in the new digital era to develop skills and competences and increase their capacity in their work -Fostering the creative digital cooperation between theater professionals from UK, Greece, Cyprus, Spain and Portugal so that they can run their own digital theatrical initiatives -Raising awareness on societal issues and European matters through digital theatrical plays -Supporting non professionals theatre practitioners to benefit from a digital theater methodology and acquire skills to continue the artistic theatrical process. The expected results are: -Digital theater methodology for theater professionals who have faced difficulties in the digital transformation of their work due to COVID-19 crisis -Training curriculum for theater professionals for building their skills and competences in the new digital era -5 digital theatrical plays and scripts(1 per partner country) designed and implemented based on digital theater methodology that raise awareness on social issues -1 joint theatrical clip designed and implemented by theatre professionals from all the partner countries -1 e-learning programme for theatre professionals consists of courses that can enhance their digital skills and provide them with tools that can use for designing and implementing digital theatre plays -1 Guide for non professional theatre practitioners that includes the digital skills and competences that they need in order to continue their artistic theatrical process -1 Digital Theatre Resource Platform that includes the 2 Guides that were developed for theatre professionals and non professionals theatre practitioners, a catalogue with digital theatre performances and their scripts, the e-learning programme and a virtual database with profiles of all involved participants in the digital theatre methodology -At least 60 theatrical professionals with limited digital skills to participate in the Capacity Building Programme, design and develop their own digital theatrical plays/outputs -At least 50 audience members that will participate in the piloting of performances and audience engagement before the creation of the digital theatre guide -At least 10 trainers with developed digital skills to be trained in the digital theatre methodology and training curriculum -At least 15 theatre professionals from partner countries with low digital skills to cooperate and create one joint theatrical clip -At least 330 theatre spectators actively engaged in digital theatre plays These deliverables not only address current challenges, but also empower, enrich and enhance the artistic experience of theatre in all its forms by opening up new artistic venues (digital) that remain open and active even amongst the most severe restrictions in movement and congregation.
The objectives, in line with the original bid, were to: -Supporting 60 theatre professionals that face difficulties in the new digital era to develop skills and competences and increase their capacity in their work -Fostering the creative digital cooperation between theatre professionals from UK, Greece, Cyprus, Spain and Portugal so that they can run their own digital theatrical initiatives -Raising awareness on societal issues and European matters through digital theatrical plays -Supporting non professionals theatre practitioners to benefit from a digital theatre methodology and acquire skills to continue the artistic theatrical process. The implementation of this project on a transnational level offers significant added value by facilitating the exchange of experiences, learning, and best practices among diverse partners. Through this collaboration, a digital theater methodology and curriculum has been jointly created and tested. Moreover, the project's outreach contributes to addressing a common challenge shared by theater professionals in the partner countries and the broader European Union.
The creative and cultural sector has encountered significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for artists who were unprepared for the shift to the digital realm. Among the obstacles faced by theater professionals (aged 18-50) in the UK, Greece, Cyprus, Spain, and Portugal, the lack of digital skills and competences is a major factor hindering their adaptation to the new art reality. Reasons for applying to this project: -Skills Development -Adaptation to the Digital Reality -International Collaboration -Promoting Social and Cultural Awareness -Inclusivity and Community Impact The project addresses several needs within the theater community amid the COVID-19 crisis: -Digital Skills Gap: The project aims to bridge the gap in digital skills and competences among theater professionals -Professional Capacity Building: By providing a Guide, e-learning program, and Resource Platform, the project equips theater professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their work and capacity. -Creative Collaboration: Through international cooperation, the project encourages creative collaboration among theater professionals from different countries, fostering the exchange of ideas and practices. -Societal Impact