Dancer Archive
Thread: Travelling Entertainment Troupes
So we're still in the planning stages for a galaxy-wide event, organized by and for players. We want to create a concert routine with coordinated music/dance and tour the Chilastra server, finally putting to good use all those empty theatres and band shells.
Here's my thoughts on our plan, but what I'm really after are ideas and/or experiences from the rest of you on this. If you've tried organized concerts - what worked, what didn't? Venues? Are city theatres too unknown or should we set up in the street? (I'm not sure how much I'd care for the lag in front of Theed spaceport with a full troupe of dancers among all the pets, /shout spam and player chatter.)
* We will be gathering together Master Dancers and Musicians only. Those who have not reached Mastery yet -- we still love you, but we intend to use the full repertoire of music and dance, and coordination requires that we all be the same skill level.
* Possibly ask local crafters to bring their wares and create an open bazaar before and after the show, providing an appeal to players who don't care about music or dance. This would move it toward a "County Fair" atmosphere and I'm not sure it's not a different kind of event, but it's a thought.
* Hold an organized "stupid pet tricks" contest for CHs.
* Give away cash or items for best dressed, weirdest outfit, matching couples, etc.
* Last night I danced with a musician in Gloaba Duefel who had written Star Wars poetry. It was genuinely moving, especially when he altered his /mood to the poem and /sang the lyrics. His ode to Alderaan was a keeper. Poetry is as much a part of performance as shaking your tail feathers
* The event should be tightly timed so as to move quickly. This means any speeches should be short, and pre-written to hotkeys (and spell checked!). Stagger ten minutes of music, an event, ten minutes of music, an event, and so forth, to hold attention. An hour's concert of nothing but music would be of dubious attraction unless the audience has something else to do at the same time.
* A glib emcee is needed. There's plenty around. Not mindless banter or canned jokes, but genuinely clever crowd engagement to focus their attention on the next event.
* What would be really great is if SOE can send a couple of CSRs to help out. We don't want free giveaways necessarily but -- ok, free giveaways would be super
Please - share your thoughts and experiences, if any! How could something like this be made into a smashing success?
Hey Sinda
Great idea you have there!
I think the biggest problem is getting the word out that the event is going on. It would be neat if there were better in-game ways to advertise these sort of things. I assume that merchants will be able to have access to some enhanced features in the future for advertising.
LilacMwe-Lo wrote:Hey Sinda
Great idea you have there!
I think the biggest problem is getting the word out that the event is going on. It would be neat if there were better in-game ways to advertise these sort of things. I assume that merchants will be able to have access to some enhanced features in the future for advertising.
Hi Lilac! Haven't seen you in a while - but if you've been out by Wayfar, it's no wonder!
Promotion is going to be important. I envision some website notes (here, AVault, Stratics, Allakhazam's) and maybe even hire some Merchants to see if they can get us on the planet maps during the event. (I don't know what other methods of advertising they have but I like the idea of involving as many professions as possible)
As I travel (and I travel a LOT, I have wanderlust), I see spots here or there that would be perfect. The one that jumps to mind right away is the outdoor bandshell in Kaadara. It's close to the main part of town, there's a large area for an audience, and there are enough players in the city to gather interest.
I'll have to scout Endor, I guess, as I haven't been there yet, but Lok and Wayfar may be out due to their remote locations and lack of players. For that matter, my favorite spot is Lake Retreat, but nobody's ever there
Also, I forgot to mention tips. I don't want anyone thinking that we can make money doing this. Likely, we won't. And I don't want anyone asking the crowd for tips, either -- this is purely for entertainment. What is important, however, is both the fun of the thing and the exposure. My network of friends and fans in the game has gotten me jobs - both one-time and more permanent offers - that DO pay. Being a part of this might just elevate some entertainers to star status
If you want in, just say so. We could use a few more like you!
This is just the sort of thing that K'vera dreams of doing She also wants to put on a full musical, at the moment though it is still a case of finding people of similar mind who are committed to such an aim.
I wish you all the best with this and look forward to seeing the rave reviews
On the subject of travelling entertainment troupes, it looks like such a band is currently advertising on Chilastra. Have a look at: http://forums.station.sony.com/swg/board/message?board.id=Chilastra&message.id=19148
I'm looking forward to seeing them perform.
Wendelius
I know the Run-Time Error band. I've worked with them - most recently at a wedding party. Most of them are in the same PA. Great folks - Wee taught me most of what I know, and Evie and Kekki are two of my fave musicians
I don't know how they operate, but what I had in mind was a bit more organized than we were for the wedding
I've had similar ideas. Actually my thought was sort of a musical, or something like Lord of the Dance, or a concert or something. I hadn't thought of making it a whole day thing. Heck, throw in a fashion show so the tailors can show off their wares. Have a tailor sponsor the event by making matching clothes for all the dancers in exchange for a mention before and after the program.
Lots of ideas.
<< (sticking tIongue out at a certain musician laying on a beach in Hawaii!) >>
Ahem, I guess that would be me. <rolls eyes>
Yep, I love all these ideas, especially the poetry/song. I think I'll start trying to incorporate some song into my act. For our big tour show, I'd like to see timed fireworks and Colored Lights effects, band call-and-response, lead vocal and backing vocals, dance and music solos, unusual instrument combos (all mando, e.g.), creative use of /bandflo's for both dancers and musicians, etc. As for advertising, the Chilastra board would be a good forum. Lots of familiar faces there.
I also have grand ambitions for a ballet, opera, or musical. Musicians in the "pit" of the theater; dancers and actors and singers on stage. One could do a Star Wars opera: get a TKA dressed in black to play Vader, another to play Luke,an Image Designer with ear-hairbuns to play Leai. Band plays Star Wars III, Vader and Moff Tarkin and Leia enter, Death Star destroys Alderaan. Switch to cantina scene, play SW2. That sort of thing.
I figure I will have to audition for the parts, but I would love it to bea big event - aiming for just before Christmas at the moment due to time constraints. It is wonderful to see others have the same lofty ideas *grins*
I have also been thinking along these lines and have been scouting locations where such a road troupe would benefit most. In talking with various adventurers it seems places like Wayfair and Anchorhead on Tattoine or the outposts on Dantooine would be good choices. Lots of hunters and never enough entertainers..
Sure would be nice if cities had a Bulletin Board where one could post upcoming events such as this.
Mayve an annoucement section on the bottom of the city map?