Syllabus: Installations and Interactive Performance (THTR 3880)

THTR 3880:0001 Cross Reference: DANC 3880:0001
Spring, 2021 || M&W: 3:30p-5:20p

Instructor: Daniel Fine, Assistant Professor of Digital Media in Performance

Course Description: An introduction to the aesthetics, techniques and practical possibilities of fusing together theatre, dance, music/sound, art, design, cinema, gaming, human computer interaction, and engineering. Students will learn the foundations of creating interactive experiences that use digital photos, video, text, real-world objects, sensor data, live bodies moving in space, Kinect 2 sensors, cameras, and multiple video outputs such as projectors and LED displays. The interactive, node-based programming software Isadora, will be used to create immersive mediated performances, interactive installations, embodied user based experiences and user manipulated virtual environments.

Course Objectives and Goals:

  • Understand the basic concepts, theories and practical applications of incorporating interactive digital media into installations, live performance and user based experiences.
  • Develop applied knowledge of creating interactive media installations and live performance by designing and realizing projects in various analog, digital and new media.
  • Cite and discuss historical and contemporary artists and companies.
  • Work collaboratively across disciplines to investigate multimedia approaches to contemporary live experiences and new modes of storytelling.
  • Develop skills in manipulating digital assets such as photos, videos, text, live video streams and data.
  • Operate computer, video, projection, sensor, and camera equipment.
  • Be able to perform basic-intermediate, node-based programming skills in Isadora.
  • Develop the organizational and artistic skills necessary to successfully produce installations, interactive performance and user based experiences.
  • Improve teamwork and communication skills.
  • Critique and evaluate work.

Course Topics:

  • Intro, gear, check-out, studio, system, in-class assignments
  • Isadora (Networks, Video)
  • Isadora (Sound)
  • Isadora (Camera, Displays)
  • Isadora (NDI, Syphon, Zoom integration)
  • Isadora (Control)
  • Isadora (Generative Art)
  • Isadora (Projection Mapping)
  • Isadora (Data Visualization)
  • Isadora (Kinect)
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Syllabus: Performing with Technology (THTR 3875)

Topics in Digital Performing Arts: Performing with Technology: THTR 3875:0001 Cross Reference: DANC 3875:0001
Spring, 2021 || T&TH: 3:30p-5:20p

Instructor: Daniel Fine, Assistant Professor of Digital Media in Performance

Course Description: Advanced techniques in virtual/online performance with established and new technologies including live cameras, audio, greenscreen, special effects, and controlling digital avatars.

Course Objectives and Goals:

  1. Understand the basic concepts, theories and practical applications of performing in virtual/online platforms.
  2. Develop applied knowledge of creating virtual/online performance.
  3. Cite and discuss historical and contemporary artists and companies working in virtual performance.
  4. Work collaboratively across disciplines to investigate performance approaches to virtual/online and new modes of storytelling.
  5. Develop skills in manipulating digital assets and operating virtual platforms.
  6. Operate computer, camera, and sound equipment and virtual platforms.
  7. Improve teamwork and communication skills.
  8. Critique and evaluate work.

Course Topics:

  • Intro, gear, check-out, studio, system, in-class assignments
  • Zoom interface
  • Sound
  • Camera
  • Greenscreen
  • Special Effects
  • Avatars
  • Pitches
  • Virtual Performance Technology
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