Main description:

As personal technology becomes ever-present in the classroom and rehearsal studio, its use and ubiquity is affecting the collaborative behaviors that should underpin actor training. How is the collaborative impulse being distracted and what kind of solutions can re-establish its connections?

The daily work of a theater practitioner thrives on an ability to connect, empathize, and participate with other artists. This is true at every level, from performing arts students to established professionals. As smartphones, social media, and other forms of digital connectedness become more and more embedded in daily life, they can inhibit these collaborative, creative skills. Turn That Thing Off! Collaboration and Technology in 21st-Century Actor Training explores ways to foster these essential abilities, paving the way for emerging performers to be more present, available, and generous in their work.

Contents:

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Collaborative Gene

Chapter 2: The growing isolation of the Collaborative Gene

Chapter 3: Impact of technology on collaborative behaviors

Chapter 4: Why are acting students choosing to isolate instead of collaborate?

Chapter 5: Rekindling the Collaborative Gene

Chapter 6: We are the people to solve this problem

Appendices