1.7.1. Project Performance Prompt

The second phase of each project involves developing the performance script, algorithms, or composition. At an appropriate point in the project I will ask you to prepare a work plan or process outline devoted to thinking through a performance plan. Different types of projects will have require applying somewhat varying questions; the following outline of prompt questions should guide your group through developing this plan.

Every instance of ‘machine’ should be read as ‘machine or ensemble’, depending on the nature of your project.

1.7.1.1. Setting

These questions relate to the nature of the performance which you will create using your machine.

  1. Is this performance gallery-style (walk-up or walk-by), theatrical (sit-down), or another form?
  2. Who is the intended audience?
  3. What is the ideal location or setting?
  4. What is the duration? If not fixed, what are the minimum and maximum durations?
  5. What are the visual, audible, tactile, and olfactory components of the audience experience?

1.7.1.2. Narrative

These questions relate to the story and character which you will convey with your machine.

  1. What kind of character does the action of your machine reveal?
  2. Does your machine have an unrevealed backstory?
  3. How you indicate a beginning and an end?
  4. What develops between beginning and end? Is there a conclusion?
  5. What questions does the performance raise but not answer?
  6. Are there human characters or assistants? Are they implied or visible? What relationship is implied with the machine?

1.7.1.3. Autonomy and Agency

These questions relate to the autonomy of the machine or ensemble.

  1. Is the ‘voice’ of the machine apparent? I.e., does it appear to be an autonomous actor, or is it clearly enacting a plan from a seen or unseen creator?
  2. Is the agenda of the machine apparent? I.e., does it have an apparent goal or purpose? What goals might be implied by its actions?
  3. Is the machine deceptive? If so, is the deception deliberate?

1.7.1.4. Outcomes

  1. What defines ‘success’ for the performance?
  2. What kind of documentation or artifacts might result from the performance? Some possibilities include:
    1. live sit-down show to be watched
    2. edited video to be watched
    3. direct audience interaction (either group or individual)
    4. physical artifact
    5. physical traces or side-effects
  3. For machines which create artifacts:
    1. In what way is the history of the creation process manifest in the object? I.e., is the time-history of the performance visible in the static artifact?
    2. In what way does that object express character or concept?
  4. For performances primarily intended for video:
    1. Is the underlying performance also suitable for live performance?
    2. To what degree does the result depend on editing, staging, or camera tricks?
  5. For performances involving direct interaction:
    1. Can it work with either individuals or a group?
    2. What is the duration of the interaction? Ideally, this would be at least a minute.
    3. Is the experience consistent or vary significantly with each encounter?
    4. Is there a transaction involved? I.e., a negotiation or interaction with a specified purpose which results in an definable outcome or failure.
    5. How will the viewer’s understanding be changed?
    6. What is the character of the machine, and is it static or evolving?

1.7.1.5. Implementation

  1. What behavior primitives will be needed? Is there a design notation or graphic representation which would help with planning behaviors?
  2. What software do you envision is needed to carry out the performance?
  3. Does your machine require sensor interpretation? If so, what kind?
  4. What responsibilities will each team member undertake?