What do you do when audiences can’t come into the theatre? You bring theatre into their homes.
Drama(in the)works, a series of weekly readings of evolving plays that was launched in January, has moved online while Palm Beach Dramaworks’ doors are closed. The free, virtual version of the popular series premiered on April 27 and continues through June 22, with a live reading each Monday evening beginning at 7pm available on Zoom. A few hours after the conclusion of the play, a recording of the presentation can be seen on PBD’s YouTube page through Thursday of the same week.
Drama(in the)works involves the audience in the process of determining which plays will be included in the 2021 New Year/New Plays Festival. Each reading is followed by a talkback, and the audience’s feedback is part of the assessment when Producing Artistic Director William Hayes selects the roster of plays for the Festival. In the virtual version, viewers may contribute to the talkback by entering their question or comment in the Q&A section at the bottom center of their screen.
Readings are free of charge, but reservations are required because even online space is limited. To reserve a spot, visit palmbeachdramaworks.org. To view a recording of the week’s play, go to youtube.com/palmbeachdramaworks. Again, the encore presentation of each play is only available through the Thursday after the live performance.
The virtual play readings are PBD’s latest effort to engage its patrons in new ways during these uncertain times. Several weeks ago, the company began an interactive version of its online newsletter, In The Wings, which features up-close and quirky short videos of PBD artists, takes viewers behind the scenes, provides a space for patrons to engage in quizzes and other challenges, and so much more. The content is available on the company’s website – palmbeachdramaworks.org – and across social media.
