The_Act-Results

Had a mixed reaction with the act that took place at lunch time today (10th February). I managed to pull together a team of helpers to assist with the setting up, ticket “selling” etc. As expected stage one of the act received very little response from the public. The Ikea table and chairs I had prepared as the stage and audience area did not attract any awareness of the lane. Once the red curtain and carpet with queue barrier was put in place people’s reactions altered. The 6 meters of carpet that spilled out onto Buchanan St caught people’s eye but few were willing to examine the installation closer. It wasn't until my team of helpers went out on the streets and talked to people directly that they were willing to enter the performance space behind the curtain. From the people who did enter they seemed to come out of curiosity; my cheesy joke telling had the customers laughing more at me rather than with me!

Overall.....

I’m not completely satisfied that I chose the right performance act (comedy) to suit the location and although no actual queue formed on the red carpet on Buchanan Street, sufficient attention had been created from the props for me to be happy with the overall result.

The_Act-The_Test_Run

The test run on North Court Lane went better than I could have hoped. There are two external grates on either sides of the existing retail shops which was used to hold the tied string in place. From this string the red curtain could be clipped in place using bulldog clips. The site itself was completely derelict while I ran the test run, although it does look like there is some sort of building work taking place at the back of the lane. There is another abandoned access route into the lane from Royal Exchange Place which I'm hoping will not interfere with the performance...

The_Act-The_Test_Run

Before the props can be sourced a suitable site needs to be sourced. Its important to find a site in a busy city centre location to fully test out the act. North Court Lane (behind the shop Diesel on Buchanan St) seems like the most appropriate location, although Gordon Lane (between central station and Buchanan St) will be used as a back-up plan. Test runs with the equipment will be taking place tomorrow (9th February).

The_Act

My main aim of the act is to see if there is a demand for regenerating lost spaces in the city centre with the help of performance - To Play.

This act will help me to examine people’s views on performance and whether people will be willing to explore disused spaces if they are regenerated into a functioning space.

The act itself will take place in 3 stages..

1. The stage and audience seating area set up and the performer ready to act. No gimmicks or gadgets will be used at this stage to see if the performance stage and comedy act alone will attract an audience.

2. Set up the red carpet and curtain to hide the act and create some mystery around the installation/performance. It is hoped that at this stage people’s interest alone will be enough to form a queue along the red carpet.

3. Handing out tickets for the performance on Buchanan street. If the previous stages have been unsuccessful then it is hoped that by engaging directly with members of the public they will be more willing to explore the dormant space.

The bold statement I will be creating with the red carpet and curtain will help me examine the general public’s reaction to the installation. As the lane is currently disused any interest in the performance will reassure me that there is a need for regenerating “lost” areas of the city.

Deployable/Transformable_Structures

A video I find particularly inspiring in terms of performance within structures.

Week_2

After dividing the city of Glasgow into sub-categories I found the “lost” city to appeal most to my initial proposal. With the help of installations and deployable structures, my aim is to regenerate “lost” areas of the city. It is hoped that the performance element of the act will come from the use of moveable installation pieces.