Shaping the Event

So... when does the theatrical event begin?

For many shows I see... it begins right around the announcement to turn off your cell phones. This is particularly true on Broadway, when you are confronted by a big ass curtain and silence. And then the curtain opens and you're supposed to be transported to a whole 'nother world.

I find it far more helpful to think of the event beginning as soon as the audience walks in the door.... you have a prime opportunity to begin shaping their experience immediately. Now, go too far with this and the audience will feel totally oppressed... but if you hit that sweet spot, you'll really draw them in.

So with ...Atheist, how to do this? What should the preshow moment be like?

Well... for one thing... there'll be alcohol served, and it should be a fun, casual atmosphere. How do we do that?

One way is to just have some awesome music, have some members of the company around, say.. hey over there's some alcohol! Get a drink! Hang out with us!... but what if we had a band? Like my favorite subway musicians? Would that be too nuts?  What if we gave out free popcorn?

We have an opportunity to make it clear that this a fun, relaxed show where the audience should feel comfortable and anarchic and like anything can happen. We can use that opening moment to prime them for it. Now it's just a question of how to make it work.