Theater opens stage for all

It’s not often that audience members, whether it be in music, theatre, dance or another discipline, get a chance to directly interact and give an opinion on what they see on stage. This breaking of the “fourth wall” is often thought of as taboo and in some ways detrimental to artistic development.  

Now there are two chances for you to become more involved. “There is just so much talent here from such a wide variety of cultural backgrounds,” said Desiree Munro, the Artistic Director of Probationary Theatre Company and co-owner of the White Box Theatre space in Hyochang Park, Seoul. “Seoul really is a melting pot and a playground for artists wanting to create and collaborate with new and interesting people. Likewise the Seoul expat community is a vibrant place for people to see, and be inspired by, fresh and cutting-edge artworks and performances.” 

In August, those looking for something a little different are in for a treat. The Shorts Show is a chance to aid in the development of new work. The event is essentially an open-stage workshop for performing artists. 

The idea is to give artists an opportunity to present up to 20 minutes of new performance and receive feedback from an open-minded audience. Previous artists from Probationary Theatre’s annual Shorts Show events have presented a wide range of acts — from a highly-charged and confrontational multimedia, anti-war one-man show, to a lovably playful piece of Balinese shadow puppetry full of underwater characters with an extensive cast of puppeteers. 

All disciplines of the performing arts are welcome. The Shorts Show will be presented to audience members on Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. at the White Box Theatre.

The second inclusive event in August allows you to cross through the “fourth wall” and become an actor, writer or director. It’s called Play in a Day and the basic concept is to create brand-new theatre pieces from empty page to stage in 12 hours. Teams of writers, directors and actors will be assembled at 9 a.m. on Aug. 11 at the White Box Theatre, and will work through the day to write and rehearse a brand new short piece of theatre that will be performed at 8 p.m. that night. 

Play in a Day always manages to create performances from the zany to the heartfelt, and occasionally the mind-bending. 

This event is a perennial favorite of the Seoulite who is short on time and wants an event long on fun and creativity, and a perfect low-impact chance to try out your artistic stuff in an inclusive environment. 

DETAILS

Writers, directors and actors will be assembled at 9 a.m. on Aug. 11 and will work through the day to write and rehearse a short piece that will be performed at 8 p.m. that night.

TICKETS

Tickets for the shorts show and Play in a Day are 10,000 won and can be purchased at the theatre door on the day of the show.

For more info, go to www.probationarytheatre.com.