Virtual Stage Manager

How do you integrate technology with the Arts? Start from within and work your way out. I know in the world of Social Media, not everyone is perfect for every network. It takes a general interest from the individual, usually stemming from a “need” to be present on that website. When we were ordering the licensing agreement for our show, MTI sent us an e-mail noting of additional services that they now provide. Among those was a Virtual Stage Management system, ironically called the Virtual Stage Manager. If you’re familiar with the VirtualCallboard, this online product is very similar. If you have a moment, I recommend taking the time to download the informational PDF from their website. I included a link to it at the bottom of this posting.

The Virtual Stage Manager opens up the opportunity for the production staff to integrate technology in to the informational communication and distribution process that normally takes place through traditional mediums in a production. There are many shows pre-uploaded in to the program so it is as simple as 1-2-3 to set-up. For those that are not completely technically savvy this is a great opportunity to utilize what the internet has to offer in a way that is simple and intriguing. The features of this system eliminates paper waste and increases efficiency. The tools and features include mass text messaging and e-mail to actors, integrated performer’s calendars for ease of scheduling rehearsals, and artists profiles. I believe this is a huge step in welcoming the world of theater to the benefits of technology.

This entire process allows the managers to use the web to reach the artists, from there the company as a whole may move on to effectively reach their outside audience via the same vehicle that brought them together. Many people will pose the question of – why would anybody pay money to carry through with a system that works perfectly fine offline? Answer: to adapt to where the future is taking us without being left behind. We have all seen what the economy is doing to our world – and we know it may never be the same as it was in the past. It may be something as simple as altering internal habits of a production that will lead to effectively integrating the use of Technology.

The one downfall of this program is that A.) It is limiting to a handful of shows that are licensed through MTI and B.) it is pretty costly. Let’s face it – MTI doesn’t offer every show and the Arts are not particularly rolling in cash. That may be the roadblock. How can we enhance our tools and resources when we are barely able to provide enough funds to throw together a show? In any case – the initiative is out there we just have to work from. Take what we can and run with it. If nobody is taking that step forward then we are merely being counterproductive and not working towards a general idea of how to fully create the Arts 2.0.

For my own benefit I have been utilizing all of those free features that are rolling around out there. Products such as Google Docs and Google Maps can provide the same kind of features as this Virtual Stage Manager, it just takes the correct individual to recreate them in a way that is beneficial to their production. I created a website to lie as the hub of various social media and online tool applications. It costs as much as a web hosting account does along with the man hours and dedication to finding these features and successfully integrating them.

One day I hope to see more networks such as the Virtual Stage Manager that offer internal and external networking opportunities to the Arts community – free of charge. Nominal fee’s are great, but what is the benefit if you can’t wet the mouth’s of your customers?

Check it out:

http://www.stagemanagement.com/vsm/index.php