Poll is closed.
The Canadian Improv Games’ Ottawa Regional Tournament WILL NOT BE IN THE ROUND. Generally speaking, audiences and former players thought it was a great idea while current players did not. Even if the poll showed the majority of people wanted it in the round, if the players didn’t, that’s what matters. If you were on a team of 8 players and just one was uncomfortable with the idea, though could be enough to throw off your game. So, this experiment has come to a close. Thank you for your responses and comments. We will see you in the Studio of the NAC next week!
-AL
This year, CIG Ottawa is presented with an interesting opportunity. The Studio, where we will be performing Feb 21-25, is currently set up In the Round or “Arena style” for the show Creation which closes right before the Tournament. The National Arts Centre has asked us if we’d be interested in playing in this configuration. Playing in the round has some advantages and disadvantages, but one thing is for sure: it is a unique opportunity. The studio hasn’t been set up this way for over 12 years for any show, and very few improv shows anywhere get the chance to play in a space like this.
So, we put the question to you. Please vote and comment on why you think playing in the round is a good thing or a bad thing.
Here are photos of the space as it is now. Please note that for the Canadian Improv Games, there would be NO RAISED STAGE and another row of seats in the front of all sides. Capacity would be the same as usual (300+) however the farthest seats would only be 5 rows back.
I think this is so cool!
I would personally, love to try to perform on an arena style stage.
I think it would be a really good tool to help teach staging as far as creating locations go, as well as encourage movement because people can’t stand in the same place with their backs to one part of the audience for the whole scene.
Super interesting idea!
Do it!
This type of “arena” setup seems like a much more natural fit for Improv shows, sort of like what the LNI does in Montreal.
Oh, and kudos on polling the plebs!
What a cool opportunity – I say absolutely!! As long as everyone knows beforehand, why not? It’s such a cool way to spice it up in 2012…
Improv on the main stage of the Globe Theatre in Regina was amazing! It’s in the round and really makes you feel like you are 100% committed to the world you are creating.
You have to LOVE when an opportunity to perform Improv “In the Round” pops up! One of the most original forms of theater dating back centuries… Go for it! Get engaged with your audience from all sides!
If I were still rockin’ that stage with Al (as we did for 4 years back in 19?? …anyway) we would be allllll over that!
Take the opportunity that no one has had in over 12 years at the NAC. Practice in your schools with the set-up, work on your blocking and really use the space as it’s own character…
Can’t wait to attend CIG in 2012!
wAtson
Do it for sure, that would be awesome! 360 degrees of improvisation! It would make us more well-”rounded” as improvisers too.
Awesome, awesome idea, I say go for it! Sure, some people are going to see butts and backs on occasion, but what a cool chance to play with the space in a totally different way than Ottawa Improv is used to. I vote yes!
This is kind of a stupid way to make this kind of decision.
Good burn, maaa. Good burn.
This is a good idea but, how do you deal with the problem of having your back to someone? Its a great idea but sort of confusing. Any suggestions?
Where would the teams sit? On the outside further blocking everyone’s view? On the inside, messing with other teams staging? Not a good idea…
Back would be to audience half the time and not all teams have practiced like this.
Bad idea guys