Master Calendar
"Stars, Status and Storytelling: The Evolution of the Improvisational Planetarium Show Starball," faculty forum with John Kaufmann
Date: Wednesday, November 7th, 2012
Time: 12:30 pm
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Mathers A & B, Pearsons Hall
Sponsored by: VPAA: 608-363-2667
Contact: Sheila Gustafson
Abstract:
I have been refining and performing Starball (with collaborator Dan Dennis) for over ten years. Originally developed at Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Starball has gone on to be performed at planetaria in Chicago, New York and elsewhere. Starball uses ideas and participation from audiences to create new constellations, stories and songs. I have found the keys to fostering audience involvement are clear structures for participation, “low status” facilitation (rather than “expert” leadership) and consistent trust in the audience. By adhering to these principles, the show aims to transcend “funny stories” and achieve a unique shared mythology with each audience. This faculty forum presentation will provide an interactive window into the development and philosophy of the show.
A hot buffet lunch will be available for $3.00 beginning at 12:00 noon. To ensure an accurate count, please RSVP to vpaa@beloit.edu by Friday, November 2.
This event is open to Beloit College faculty only.
