Due: Wed, Mar. 6, 11:59PM.

For this sixth assignment, we are preparing the first stage of developing the final performance. It will serve as a project proposal, a proof-of-concept test, and an exploration into incorporating music with motion.

Performance Context

We will perform our final show on May 4 in the Kresge Theater in CFA in conjunction with the Exploded Ensemble. Our aim is that the visual composition of the fabric pieces work in a dialogue with the music, neither existing as visual rendition of the music (e.g. ‘music video’) or the music as a voicing of the visuals (e.g. ‘soundtrack’).

We will also be scaling up our technical hardware from the lab to a stage setting, including lighting and possibly fans. We will have limited access to the Kresge stage on the day of the performance, so we anticipate using a portable set of rigging based on C-stands. There is some potential for using the box seats in Kresge in addition to the stage. For now, we encourage you to think more broadly about using a large space, allowing for more motor channels, and using digitally-controlled stage uplighting.

Proposal

As a proposal, we would like you to consider the complete course of the project over seven weeks leading to a live performance. The course calendar has a rough breakdown showing how we envision using this time: three weeks of iterative development and testing prior to Carnival, followed by three weeks of technical and creative rehearsal. Our aim is that each project be completely prototyped and moving by April 9 so the final weeks can focus on choreography, improvisation practice, and minor technical revisions.

The main elements of the proposal itself are as follows:

  1. Storyboard drawing showing the overall visual concept and movement narrative.
  2. Detailed sketches highlighting the proposed textile structures and techniques.
  3. A paragraph of text describing the performance concept.
  4. A brief discussion of any specific roles assumed by individuals within the group.
  5. A listing of specific milestones. We will be looking to see identifiable progress each week. Please carefully consider the ordering so that the greatest uncertainties are resolved early.
  6. An estimated “Bill of Materials” listing expected material usage and any special materials or parts to be acquired. We would prefer you work from our textile supply as much wherever possible, but there may be accessories you need.

Proof of Concept

For this assignment, we would also like to choose a physical element to rapidly prototype and animate which will help resolve some element of the plan. Our goal is for you to identify the area of greatest uncertainty and develop a first test to prove the concept. Some possible approaches are making an experiment toward working out an unknown technique, creating one prototype for a series of multiples, or testing a visual textile effect.

The Exploded Ensemble has both improvisatory and scored performance styles, and so it would be best if we explored both. For now, the closest proxy we have is to improvise or score against the ensemble’s previously recorded tracks. As a proof-of-concept test, we would like you to choose an excerpt from a 2018 performance and create choreography which works in coordination with it (without necessarily articulating it). Given the generally ambient character of this performance, this likely means creating movements with a pacing and tone that either coordinates, contrasts or complements what we hear.

As before, please begin by manually puppeting the fabric pieces to explore movement ideas, working with your selected musical excerpt. You are encouraged but not required to rig and automate the movement. Please carefully document your performance on video. Please make sure the musical soundtrack is audible, we recommend overdubbing the audio track with a time-aligned clean sound file.

Resources

Music excerpts are available on Google Drive in Audio Samples.

Deliverables

To be uploaded as a post to the course blog:

  1. Each element described under proposal: storyboard images, textile sketches, concept text, milestone list, bill of materials.
  2. A brief paragraph outlining your proof-of-concept explorations: intended effect, surprises, discoveries, successes.
  3. Any modified code samples, posted using syntax highlighting.
  4. Rigging drawings needed.
  5. Short video clip (no more than a minute) of proof of concept portion. Please shoot from a stable camera, not handheld; we have tripods and Magic Arms available at Lending, or you may use a laptop resting on a table. Please embed the video so it can be directly viewed; you may either upload an MP4 file to our server (up to 16 MB) or use supported third-party hosting. N.B. hosted .mov files cannot be embedded; please convert to MP4.