When the world turned upside down, we scrambled to find new and innovative ways to continue to produce good theater, starting with online offerings later made available through Alliance Theatre Anywhere, a re-imagining of our annual tradition of A Christmas Carol presented in shipping containers in a parking lot, under a tent on Callaway Plaza, and even through an animated short film. In order to produce Data, a fast-paced drama for our technology-driven era that looks behind the closed doors of Silicon Valley that also won our annual Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, we didn’t have to look much further than our backyard.
Brennen Dicker is the Executive Director of the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII) in the College of Arts & Sciences at Georgia State University. He came from the film and television industry and was a producer in Chicago and on the business side of post-production in Atlanta, but, wanting something new, he seized the opportunity to be a part of CMII. Dicker says he was “fascinated by how the university was teaching students in television and film and introducing them to animation and other forms of art, which also includes immersion technologies with augmented reality and virtual reality.”
One of Dicker’s majors in college was theater and he simply loves the art in general, and he says that he and his colleagues had been wanting to connect with the Alliance Theatre for a while. “We deal with all these technologies – motion capture, volumetric capture, and visual effects work that we do with film and television,” he says, “but all of us would talk about the Alliance because we love the productions there and what Alliance Theatre has done for the city of Atlanta. I remember fondly going to The Prom with my wife, so when Susan [Booth] called me and said, “Hey, we’re looking at trying to see how we can put this play online; would you be interested?” we just jumped at the chance because what an interesting way to go about this, especially in a pandemic.”
Susan presented Dicker and CMII with a concept and asked how they could play with it. The CMII has a green screen studio on campus, so filming the production there was a no-brainer. He even reached out to some of the other professionals he knew in town so that he could find the best way of compositing the shots. CMII has a room full of green screens that they provided for filming Data, which is just one of the many projects they’ve housed. CMII often invites clients to work on campus in order to pay for the equipment, but another big reason for working with different clients is so that their students can help out. This way, the students can intersect academics with the arts, earning hands-on experience with mentors and projects that will enable them to have success in the future.
Dicker says that they were able to bring in student workers who were able to sit in on the process and help out with Data. “We had a couple of theater majors who were able to sit in and read the lines before the actors came in. Susan directed them, so, to them, that was thrilling. It was huge for them.” This isn’t out of the ordinary; giving students hands-on experience is incredibly important for CMII as a whole. “It is our goal to create pipelines where students can see how everything works in a pre-production, production, and post-production capacity so they can see how it gets put together,” Dicker says, “whether it’s in gaming, AR/VR, or even small video productions, to show the storytelling and how it gets done.”
Storytelling is also something that Dicker feels is incredibly important to teach his students, as it’s a foundation on which lots of jobs – especially in technology – are based. “If you can tell a good story, you can get a job,” he says. “It’s basic, but what we’re trying to do is show them the fundamentals and then show them how to implement them in a VR experience or a game or even, for instance, working with a client such as the Alliance. How are they telling their story here? What works? It’s a combination of the two; we want to make sure that [the students] get proficient in these workflows and what we’re doing but, more importantly, that they can tell a good story when they get out, which will only propel them to future success. We like to say that we’re creating the next generation of digital storytellers through emerging technology.”
CMII offers multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design, a Bachelor of Science in Game Development, and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Media Entrepreneurship. In 2018, when Dicker first started working at CMII, it was home to four hundred students. In the fall, they’ll have over one thousand. Because of this, community is another thing that he is passionate about. He calls CMII’s students a “dynamic group of entrepreneurs, gamers, theater, and film people” and says that these are the people who need to have community because it’s “vitally important – without it, you’re missing out on an experience.” He goes on to describe what he’d like to see at CMII in the coming years: “A culture and community within CMII where students can experience working on projects together but, more importantly, the idea of new friendships and creating relationships with mentors, faculty, and clients.”
Alliance Theatre was thrilled to partner with them on one of those projects that created space for building community. With the original, pre-pandemic plan for presenting this show, Data would have worked well onstage. However, being able to produce it at CMII almost seemed like the perfect medium for it. Dicker says it “fell into what we know what to do technically and what [Alliance Theatre does] artistically.” He goes on to say that he “loved the idea that the play was about technology and here you’re trying to push it into another space instead of doing a traditional theatrical space, so it made perfect sense to do this play this way. If you would’ve said it was a Western or The Prom, I would’ve said, “That doesn’t quite work this way, but we can try!” But I was very excited once I read the script because I could visually see how you could do this.”
Dicker agrees that CMII and Alliance Theatre is a perfect combination, saying that it was “fun to experiment.” He goes on to say, “I just really look forward to seeing the production. We really enjoyed being a part of it – we hope we can do more with the Alliance.”
Data opens next Thursday, May 6, and is available on our streaming platform, Alliance Theatre Anywhere. To purchase tickets for this interactive live online experience, visit our production page. For more behind the scenes content, check out this video.
(Update: Due to popular demand, DATA has been extended through June 6.)
We’re thrilled to announce that the Coca-Cola Stage has won a 2021 Interior Architecture Award from the American Institute of Architects! This wouldn’t be possible without our incredible designer, Trahan Architects. The renovation of our main stage is something we had worked towards for a long time and we’re so humbled by this recognition. We miss this space and can’t wait to be back in it soon.
“At the heart of a celebrated arts center campus in Atlanta,” the American Institute of Architects (AIA) says, “the Coca-Cola Stage at the Alliance Theatre has been transformed, demonstrating what is possible when a multi-disciplinary team works in concert. Perfectly tuned acoustically to deliver world-class performances to its patrons, the project also moved the 650-foot chamber 10 feet closer to the stage and challenged historic notions of segregation and discrimination by removing the separation between the balcony and orchestra. As an additional unifying feature, all seating zones are accessible from every entrance within the chamber.”
About the award, Trahan says: “It is an honor to be recognized for our work, especially this project which was rooted in designing for equity and inclusion. The collaboration of our incredible team of designers and consultants, along with the leadership team of the Alliance Theatre, created a high design space that will continue to serve the community and provide access to the arts.”
From the beginning, the renovation project was “guided by a desire to design for equitable communities,” AIA explains. “Across the American South, theatre balconies are vestiges of racism for many people of color. As the team moved through the design process, the idea emerged to blend the balcony and the orchestra to create a space with no separation and provide circulation between both seating heights. Box seating has historically included separate access through a segregated lobby sequence, but in this project, it exists as a continuum to create a democratic space.”
For more information about the award, our space, and the inspiration behind the design and how it was rooted in equity and inclusion, visit the article here or AIA’s website.
Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition winner, DATA, will be presented virtually in an interactive, live experience produced in partnership with Georgia State University’s Creative Media Industries Institute, May 6 – 23, 2021.
Four competition finalists will be presented as free, virtual readings in the Festival of New Works, May 16 – 21, 2021.
The Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition continues to spotlight the best emerging playwrights with a virtual, interactive production of this year’s winning play DATA and virtual readings of the four finalists. The 17th competition winner, DATA is a is a fast-paced thriller that looks behind the closed doors of Silicon Valley. DATA is written by Matthew Libby and the virtual production is directed by Susan V. Booth.
DATA takes audiences into the world of highly controversial technologies and the people who create them. In DATA, Maneesh is a brilliant entry-level programmer content to work in the low-stress environment of User Experience until he learns the true nature of his company’s confidential business. Faced with a crisis of conscious, Maneesh must come to terms with his own American identity and the personal and societal cost of his work.
To accomplish a visually compelling and COVID-safe video capture of DATA for streaming, the Alliance partnered with Georgia State University’s Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII). The production relied heavily on the CMII green screen studios, labs, and motion-capture software. The facilities allowed the actors to remain 10-20 feet apart while filming scenes where they will appear to be sitting on the same couch, or playing a game of ping-pong.
In addition to the filmed production of DATA, each live performance will begin with an interactive lobby experience developed by Atlanta-based company, SUBSUME. A tech platform for storytellers, SUBSUME allows audience members to create their own avatar, walk around, talk and interact with other audience members, and enter the virtual theater to watch the production together, all from their own computer screen.
The cast of DATA includes Jake Berne (Actor’s Express: Skintight), Clare Latham (Off Broadway: Fairview), Stephen Hu (Berkeley Rep: The Great Wave), and Cheech Manohar (Broadway: Mean Girls).
The creative team of DATA is led by Director Susan V. Booth, Alliance Theatre Jennings Hertz Artistic Director, and includes Assistant Director Jayson T. Waddell, Lighting Designer Andre Allen, Editor Ron Heidt, Sound Designer Chris Lane, Location Scout David Luse, Prop Designer Suzanne Cooper Morris, Costumer Designer Leslie Taylor, and Line Producer Amanda Watkins.
Live virtual performances of DATA are Thursdays – Sundays, May 6 – 20, 2021. The streaming production is also available on-demand, without the live experience, anytime between May 6 – 23, 2021.
(Update: Due to popular demand, DATA has been extended through June 6.)
FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS – ALLIANCE/KENDEDA WEEK
In addition to the presentation of DATA, the Alliance will host a FESTIVAL OF NEW WORKS featuring a showcase of all the digital content the Alliance has produced over the past year for its streaming platform Alliance Theatre Anywhere, plus a virtual presentation of the four finalists from the 2020/21 Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition. The finalist readings will happen virtually via zoom and are free and open to the public. RSVPs are required.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:
Mother of Exiles
A virtual reading via Zoom
Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
By Jessica Huang (Juilliard)
Directed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh
In 1898 California, a pregnant Eddie Loi faces deportation. In 1998 Miami, her grandson Braulio accidentally summons her spirit while patrolling the border. In 2063, somewhere on the ocean, their descendants try to survive the climate crisis. An epic multigenerational tale of sacrifice, love, and survival that spans 150 years in 90 minutes.
Thank you for joining us!
The Singularity Play
A virtual reading via Zoom
Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
By Jay Stull (Columbia)
Directed by Keenan Tyler Oliphant
In an unused room at the Google offices in Manhattan, a theater troupe has gathered to rehearse a new play written by an advanced AI named “Denise.” In an art that relies so substantially upon our human-ness, what does it mean to cede the stage to artificial intelligence? Who are we when reflected by the intelligence we’ve created?
Thank you for joining us!
Harpers Ferry 2019
A virtual reading via Zoom
Thursday, May 20, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
By Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin (Indiana University)
Directed by Ibi Owolabi
At the Harpers Ferry National Park In sleepy West Virginia, park rangers gather to prepare for the anniversary of John Brown’s infamous raid on Harpers Ferry one hundred sixty years after the event. When race and politics enter the equation, history repeats itself in a surprising and violent way.
Thank you for joining us!
2020: a going away party play
A virtual reading via Zoom
Friday, May 21, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
By Keyanna Khatiblou (Northwestern)
Directed by Jamil Jude
First generation Iranian-American Mina is throwing a party for her closest friends and for you, the audience. Using games, flashbacks, and storytelling, the ensemble reflects on the modern American identity and shares a retelling of Mina’s parents falling in love and staying in love while fleeing the Iranian Revolution. 2020: A GOING AWAY PARTY PLAY is a celebration of multicultural identities and exploration of what it means to leave or lose your home country.
Thank you for joining us!
Alliance Theatre Anywhere Showcase
Sunday, May 16, 2021
For 24 hours, we are going to spotlight our new works and digital content on Alliance Theatre Anywhere. Programming includes the digital series Laugh Track – a sketch comedy show produced with Dad’s Garage; Spotlight Studio – a series of original new work by local Atlanta artists created for a digital platform; and more.
We’re thrilled to announce that our Distinguished Artist-in-Residence Pearl Cleage has been named Atlanta’s first-ever Poet Laureate!
From the City of Atlanta’s Facebook Page:
“During the City of Atlanta Government’s 2021 State of the City Address, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottom announced that critically acclaimed poet, playwright, and best-selling author Pearl Cleage will serve as the City’s first-ever Poet Laureate! Best known for her novel, “What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day” – a New York Times Best Seller and Oprah Winfrey Book Club selection, Cleage will serve as the City of Atlanta’s ambassador for poetry, creative writing, and literary arts. We are excited to have such a talent as the City’s inaugural, official poet.”
Pearl has served as our Distinguished Artist-in-Residence since 2013 and has most recently worked on our animated film, Sit-In, first writing the play based on the book written by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney, then assisting in the process of transforming it from a play to a film that has been shown on PBA-30. Other notable Alliance plays include: Blues for an Alabama Sky, What I Learned in Paris, and Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous.
Please join us in congratulating Pearl!
While it’s not entirely safe enough to go anywhere for spring break, the world is a little more open than it was last year. (Insert excited jazz hands here!) Let us help you plan your staycation! Below are some ideas we recommend that are safe and will get you out of the house.
On Campus
Performances Under the Tent start on April 7 with Tyrone Jackson & Friends, an evening jazz, blues, and ballads concert, and on April 8 with Beautiful Blackbird LIVE, a concert for families featuring Atlanta’s favorite feathered funk band! Sister Omelika joins us Under the Tent for a special, one-night-only celebration of singing, dancing, drumming, and poetry on April 10. Across campus, catch the last few weeks of an exhibition on Persian artifacts at the High Museum of Art, or virtually enjoy a concert featuring music by Beethoven and Mozart from our friends at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra!
Other Atlanta Staples
We’re all tired of our houses. Leave! A few of our favorite tried-and-true things to do around Atlanta include exploring the Georgia Aquarium (and their new Sharks! Predators of the Deep gallery), delving into our sense of childlike wonder at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta – we’re especially interested in their new Mo Willems exhibit after our production of Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience last year – visiting the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to learn how we can be better towards our fellow man, and learning about our city at the Atlanta History Center (who also have some pretty fascinating current exhibitions).
Get Outside!
If going from your house to another building isn’t enough for you, stay outside! Some places we recommend are: feeding the giraffes at Zoo Atlanta, meandering around at the Atlanta Botanical Garden (they even have fun activities scheduled in the mornings!), or exploring Fernbank’s Spring Break options (which actually coincide perfectly with Fernbank After Dark). Or take a day trip to somewhere outside of Atlanta, like Cartersville! A straight shot up 75, Cartersville is a quaint little town full of hole-in-the-wall eateries and things to do. Visit the Tellus Science Museum and the Booth Western Art Museum, eat at Table 20, check out the historic Legion Theater (which has survived three fires) and Coca-Cola mural (the world’s first Coca-Cola outdoor advertisement), and grab coffee at Noble and Main – and make it back home before dark.
Whatever you end up doing, have a fantastic spring break and we hope to see you all soon!