Michelle MacArthur

poster image of vitals -- paramedic slumped in ambulanceA performance of Vitals, followed by a panel discussion featuring Essex-Windsor EMS workers, is open to the campus community Thursday.

Paramedic pressures subject of play

A performance of Vitals, followed by a panel discussion featuring Essex-Windsor EMS workers, is open to the campus community Thursday.

Students rehearse a scene of “Good White Men.”Students rehearse a scene of “Good White Men,” one of four plays performed via Zoom as part of a research project. Led by dramatic arts professor Michelle MacArthur, the study showed it is possible to have a communal theatre experience despite the audience and actors being in lockdown. Photo by Sébastien Heins.

Live theatre over Zoom? Study shows it works

Theatre can provide a communal experience even when the audience and actors are in lockdown, says drama professor Michelle MacArthur.
Elena Eli BelyeaPlaywright Elena Eli Belyea is one of the panellists for a discussion Thursday on the creative process behind the University Players’ Zoom-based theatre production The Stream You Step In.

Panel to discuss pandemic performance

A panel will discuss the creative process behind the University Players’ Zoom-based theatre production The Stream You Step In, Thursday, Dec. 3.

Chris Boyd sitting next to river with laptop computerChris Boyd, student stage manager of Thank You for Your Labour, demonstrates the possibility of streaming the University Players show from just about anywhere with an internet connection.

This weekend is the last chance to step into the stream with University Players

University Players’ fall digital season continues tonight —Thursday, Nov. 19 — via Zoom.

In partnership with Toronto theatre company Outside the March, the players are presenting a series of new Canadian works commissioned for the graduating BFA in Acting class.

The project also serves as research material for drama professor Michelle MacArthur and her team, who are working under a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant to examine the impact of live digital performance with analysis of the creative process and audience experience.