MediaArtTutorials
| ← MEDIAART 3I03 | Project 2 Overview |
P1 – In-Class Work IV
Collective Brainstorming · Scoring · Roles & Spatial Planning
(Brainstorming and Initial Planning Session)
This class-work session marks the official beginning of Project 2.
The focus of Class Work IV is to form groups, define creative roles, and collectively plan your live performative storytelling piece. This is a conceptual and organizational session, not a rehearsal or technical run.
By the end of this class, each group must have:
- a shared concept
- clearly defined roles
- a work-in-progress floor plan
- a work-in-progress visual / performance score
These materials will guide your technical meetings in Class Work V and your rehearsals.
Group Formation & Required Roles
Project 2 is a group-based performance of 4–5 students per group.
Each group must include at minimum the following roles:
- Spoken Word / Performer
- Live voice presence (spoken word, poetry, singing, improvisation, or other vocal performance)
- Live Sound
- Sound generated live using instruments, objects, toys, recorders through microphones.
- Live Visuals
- Live visuals using the light table with a live camera feed
- A TV on the floor, using a separate live camera feed.
- Coordinator / Lighting & Space
- Oversees spatial layout
- Runs lighting cues and checks sound levels live
- Coordinates transitions between elements
Each student must take only one role.
Responsibilities must be clearly defined and evenly distributed.
Optional / Expanded Roles
Groups may also choose to include:
- dancers or movers
- additional performer roles
- collaborators outside the class (talk to the instructor first)
Live Performance Constraints (Reminder)
Before planning, review the project restrictions:
- All sound must be live
- All visuals must be live
- No pre-rendered or pre-recorded video
(unless video is played and actively manipulated live) - No fixed soundtracks
(unless sound is played and actively manipulated live) - The performance must respond to space, audience, and duration
- Duration: 8–10 minutes
The spoken word component may include:
- reading poetry or text
- improvisation
- singing
- hybrid or experimental vocal approaches
What the Instructor Provides
For this project, the instructor will provide:
- Light table
- Live camera setup
- Microphones
- Recorders
- General props (chairs, tables, etc.)
What You Must Bring / Source
Each group is responsible for bringing:
- physical materials for visuals
(paper, transparencies, drawings, objects, textures) - instruments, toys, recorders, or sound objects
- any additional props, costumes, or any other materials required for performance
Brainstorming & Planning (≈ 60 minutes)
1. Collective Brainstorming
As a group, discuss:
- the core idea or atmosphere of the performance
- themes, emotions, or narratives
- how sound, visuals, voice, and space interact
The shared theme for this project is Space.
Reflect collectively on what space can mean, such as:
- geographical space
- the body as space
- cultural or social space
- imagined or abstract space
2. Role Definition
Each group must clearly assign:
- who is responsible for each role
- how roles interact during the performance
- how cues or transitions will be coordinated
Each student must begin drafting their individual approach so they arrive prepared for Class Work V.
3. Floor Plan (Work-in-Progress)
Using the architectural ground plan provided by the instructor, draft a floor plan that considers the position of all elements and performers within the performance area.
Consider the fixed positions of:
- audience
- projection surfaces
- light table
- speakers
- control table (lighting and sound)
This plan may change later — it is a planning tool, not a final diagram.
4. Visual / Performance Score (Work-in-Progress)
Create a visual or temporal score that maps:
- time
- actions
- sound events
- visual changes
- spoken word moments
This can be:
- drawn
- diagrammatic
- text-based
- symbolic
The goal is to communicate structure, not perfection.
Examples:
📤 Required Upload — Class Work IV
Due after class
Each group must upload one shared PDF containing:
- Group Brainstorm Document
- Short description of the performance concept
- Division of Roles
- List of group members and assigned responsibilities
- Work-in-Progress Floor Plan
- Annotated diagram (hand-drawn or digital)
- Work-in-Progress Visual / Performance Score
- Any format that clearly communicates structure and timing
File format: PDF
File name: GroupName-P2-Planning.pdf
Grading & Expectations (Maintenance-Based System)
To maintain your grade for Class Work IV, you are expected to:
- participate actively in group formation and planning
- contribute ideas and planning materials
- complete and upload the required planning document on time
This session is foundational.
Lack of preparation here will affect Class Work V, rehearsals, and the final performance, and may signal a break in maintenance.
After Class Work IV (Important)
Before Class Work V — Technical Meetings, each student must:
- review their assigned role
- bring notes, sketches, question, or ideas specific to:
- sound
- visuals
- lighting
- performance
- be ready to discuss concrete technical needs with technicians
Additionally, begin to:
- define your role-specific ideas
- gather source materials you will need
- review the live sound and live visual restrictions
Class Work V will focus on technical feasibility, not conceptual brainstorming. Be open to work with the possibilities and restrictions of the space and available equipment.