Theater has many forms. The process for interactive theater explained here is only one of them. For more examples, please see our links page.

What If... programs with InterAction Theater

Single presentations usually last an hour and consist of three short theater scenes which evolve to include direct, verbal audience participation. Our company can present up to five shows a day.

Our performances require no sophisticated stage or technical assistance (lights, sound). Any large meeting room or classroom serves well for interactive theater. Due to their bad acoustics, gymnasiums are never a good choice.

While larger audiences are accommodated, maximum effectiveness is achieved with an audience of no more than eighty members. Interactive theater makes people want to talk, to become involved. The combination of large groups and time limitations frustrate this need.

This is how it works:
1. The moderator briefly explains the form to the audience and introduces the actors.
2. A short scene takes place, casting actors as believable characters in conflicts familiar to the audience.
3. The moderator pauses the scene and encourages the audience to question the actors about issues related to the scene.
4. The actors stay in character as they interact with the audience. (This means that they maintain the emotional point of view and intentions of the scene
-- what they feel and what they want.)
5. The moderator encourages and clarifies interactions between audience members and actors and provides factual information about the topic.
6. A group dynamic emerges as characters react to audience perceptions and opinions. The moderator guides the communication process to a conclusion.
7. The process repeats with the second and third scenes.