Early in the pandemic, the New Media Committee sent DG members a survey regarding the "new normal" of digital performance. More than five hundred of you responded.
Virtual rehearsals, readings, and performances seem to be a way of life now. Even as theatres start to reopen and resume live performances, our research makes one thing clear: the marriage between live theatre and new media isn't ending anytime soon.
And now, one year later, it's time to reassess the state of that union.
How has the nature of dramatic writing evolved in the era of live capture?
As we've moved our lives to Zoom, has "Zoom theatre" become a viable artistic option?
And, perhaps most relevant to the Guild's interests: Are the rights of the Dramatist - compensation, copyright, creative control - being protected in the digital sphere?
Enclosed below, you'll find a link to an all-new survey aimed at taking an in-depth look at today's new media landscape. Our goal, as always, is to equip ourselves with enough data (both quantitative and qualitative) to ensure ongoing (and ever-improving) fair treatment for playwrights, lyricists, composers, librettists, and dramatic writers of all stripes.
Survey results will remain anonymous, so please share freely. However, if you require further assistance with a contract, a list of best practices, or even just a friendly voice with whom to talk this all through, the survey provides space for that as well. We're here to help in whatever ways we can.
So please, if you've produced, developed, or distributed theatrical work online in the last year - or even if you've only considered it - we would love for you to carve out some time and respond to the survey.
Your answers (and your questions) will help shape the work of the New Media committee, and the Guild itself, as we navigate this exciting, daunting, and at least partially digital new future.
Sincerely,
The New Media Committee