Video Conferencing/Sharing for Theatre

Video Conferencing is a tool that allows two or more people to communicate face to face through the internet. There are several sources available on the internet for free or minimal charge. Video conferencing can be used in any content area, but is particularly useful in Theatre for:

Auditioning:

Upon senior year, students looking to go to college for acting, musical theatre, dance, or music are more likely than not going to be required to audition along with their application. Auditioning out of state can be a challenge for students with financial limitations. Video conferencing allows students from all over the world an equal chance to audition for competitive university programs. Slowly, video conferencing is becoming the preferred method for auditioning among universities.

Video conferencing can be found in professional auditioning as well.

GetAcceptd- A site used to store college applications and attach audition videos. Highly recommended in auditioning for Performing Arts programs. 

http://getacceptd.com/for-students

Interviews: 

Video Conferencing is beneficial for providing interviews in the theatre classroom. Everyone knows along with what you know, theatre is about who you know. Interviews via video conferencing are a great way for students to learn about the professional theatre industry from people who have experienced it first hand, but don't have the means to come speak in class. Guest speakers are as important as any lesson in the theatre, as they offer advice and knowledge that can be gained from no other source. Requiring students to prepare questions for interviews are a great way to encourage critical thinking, questioning, and reflecting. 

Skype- A video calling/conferencing tool that is offered for free download and used commonly world-wide. Skype also allows text chatting. 

http://skype.com 

Fundraising/Publicity: 

Video conferencing is a great tool for communication. Students can use video broadcasting in creative ways to involve the school and the community in fundraising for the theatre, as well as for publicity for upcoming events. Private rooms can be created on most video conferencing sites, allowing specific people with a password to view the content. Students could easily create a room where theatre activities and announcements are regularly recognized. This will also help with acting for film and being comfortable in front of a camera. 

Ustream- Can be used to create a live broadcasting video page.

http://www.ustream.tv/new 

Other Useful Video Conferencing sites:

OoVoo- Oovoo is a video conferecning site that will allow up to 12 people to be in a conference video chat at one time.

http://www.oovoo.com/home.aspx 

Pintrest, 15 Free Video Conferencing Tools- This pin offers a nearly endless list of sites that can be used for video conferencing, calling, and portfolio making.

http://pinterest.com/robingood/top-15-free-video-conferencing-tools-2012/