Many museums have "museum theatre" programs. These are paid staff
who create, produce, and present theatrical presentations (storytelling,
theatrical pieces, first person interpretations, demonstrations, etc) within
the museum.
You may look to outside groups but you may not be able to guarantee the
quality of the product in your exhibit halls. You may be able to hire
in performers who will come with good recommendations and quality
training. You may also look into creating your own (even if small)
museum theatre program. Actors may be paid or volunteers, there are
plenty of scripts available out there, and you can bring in a
director.
I would do some research on the different types of programs and
offerings there are. Try going to the website for the International
Museum Theatre Alliance (
www.imtal.org
). This organization has members around the globe, resources and a
message board where you can get some additional help.
A good starting resource would be the book Museum Theatre Communicating
with Visitors Through Drama by Catherine Hughes published by
Heinemann.
Tessa Bridal also has a new book out which is a wonderful
resource.
You will find many ways that things are done and many different
models. Some great examples are NJ Aquarium, Museum of Science in
Richmond, VA, or the Smithsonian.
Good Luck. Let us know what you decide to do!
Christina
Christina M. Myatt
Theatrical Programming
Coordinator
Putnam Museum
1717 West 12th Street
Davenport IA
52804
563.324.1054 ext. 207 (phone)
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-----Original Message-----
From: William Bevil
<
[log in to unmask]>
To:
[log in to unmask]Date:
Tue, 18 May 2004 12:48:41 -0400
Subject: Performances within
Exhibitions
> Does anyone have any good stories to tell, advice to
give, or
> references for information on the best way to incorporate
live
> "performances" (such as dramatic readings, or small-scale
musical
> performances) into museum exhibitions?
>
>
Specifically, what's the best way to go about staffing such a thing
>
(utilizing sources outside of the museum itself) and what sorts of
>
local
> acting troups or resources are ideal contacts? Are
university drama
> departments the best route? What are the
logistical concerns for
> doing this sort of thing? Etc...
>
> -Bill
>
>
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The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).
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