What is One to One Virtual Theatre?
Each show is just under 10 minutes, and is an intimate, live experience between one performer and one audience member (hence one to one!). The length and format allow for the plays to be very responsive to current events, presenting material that goes deeper, opens introspection, and sparks conversation. Performances take place online, via Zoom (you do not need the app to watch. You will be sent a link, just click on that about 5 minutes before your show is scheduled!)
Look for a new show approximately every month – except December (we’re cooking up something special for December… details coming SOON)
Tickets are $20 each, and we are offering a SEASON TICKET for these virtual shows… see 6 shows for the price of 5! ($100 total)
*scroll down for answers to some Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets
Note: Performances are in one hour blocks, you will choose a seat number that will corresponds to the time of performance ex. 7pm performance seat 00 is 7:00pm, seat 10 is 7:10pm. A Zoom link will be on your ticket AND will be emailed to you as a reminder no less than 24 hours before your performance
Individual tickets are $20
ONE TO ONE SEASON PASS $100
buy 5 and get the 6th show free!
Support Open Book and take the leap into the virtual world with us – make a date for 6 months worth of new plays! We are working with directors and playwrights to be flexible in these offerings, but this is what we are lining up (subject to change… titles and more will be announced as we firm things up!)
Now Playing Through Oct 1:
What Matters
written by local writer, performer and Kresge Artist Fellow Madelyn Porter, featuring Assata Haki, directed by Krista Schafer Ewbank
What Matters centers on a Detroit native whose daily walk spurs memories of the changes she has seen over the years, and pushes her to focus on what truly matters.
view the ONLINE PROGRAM
Up Next, Oct 8 – 26:
The Influence of iPoppy
Poppy Esperanza (aka iPoppy) is an instagram influencer, and she’s going live for a special Halloween event! During the event she reveals some of the things that have influenced her life.
Script by MX Sotero. Directed by Topher Alan Payne. Featuring Marcela Garzaro.
September
What Matters by Madelyn Porter, directed by Krista Schafer Ewbank, featuring Assata Haki
Thursdays Sept 17, Sept 24, Oct 1
Mondays Sept 21 and 28 and Wednesday matinee Sept 30
October
The Influence of i Poppy by MX Sotero directed by Topher Alan Payne, featuring Marcela Garzaro
Thursday Oct 8, 15, 22
Mondays Oct 12, 19, 26
November
Theme: Gratitude
Thursdays Nov 5, 12, 19
Mondays Nov 9, 16, 23
December – no One to One because we are cooking up a special Christmas treat… stay tuned….
January
Theme: New Beginnings
Thursdays Jan 7, 14, 21
Mondays Jan 11, 18, 25
February
Space Love (working title) by Joe Zarrow
Thursdays Feb 4, 11, 18
Mondays Feb 8, 15, 22
March
Theme: TBD
Thursdays March 4, 11, 18
Mondays March 8, 15, 22
FAQs
Will I be the only person watching?
Yes! Only one ticket is sold for each 10 minute performance.
Can more than one person watch from my device?
This is our most frequently asked question! For What Matters, this will work. For future shows it may be more difficult for the storytelling. The series was designed to play with the unique relationship between one audience member and the performer. However, if this is what is holding you back from buying a ticket, go ahead and buy a ticket! (if you want to keep just one person on camera, other folks can watch from the side, or do as one of our audience members did and broadcast it on the television while one person interacted from the computer. Unfortunately, we are no help in telling you how to do this… but if you know how… go ahead!)
Will I be expected to talk?
No! It’s the performer’s job to talk. If you are asked a question, you can simply nod or shake your head.
Do I need the Zoom app?
No, you can click on the link that is on your ticket, or in the email you’ll get appx 24 hours before your performance time.
What are the seat numbers for?
The seat numbers indicate your exact time. So if you purchase a 9pm ticket with seat 20, your time is 9:20. We realize this is a bit confusing, but was the most efficient way to do this within our ticketing system.
I’m so tired of Zoom. How is this different?
We get it! Screen fatigue is a real thing. Audience members have told us that they feel uplifted and energized and connected after a performance, not fatigued. One told us that she never looked at the clock OR herself for the entire performance… a first! It’s only 10 minutes, and it’s scripted. You do not need to do anything other than be present and react normally. Just be human (see… easy!)
How can I get in the mood to see a show?
It’s weird. At the theatre you have the drive, finding your seat, reading the program, the house speech, the dimming of the lights. For this you’re on your computer. We recommend that while you’re in the “waiting room” you read the online program. Once you’re connected to the Zoom house manager, close all other windows. After the “curtain speech” and before the performance begins, just sit comfortably, and breath for the few seconds before the show starts. For the show, just be present. It’s 10 minutes. Set the distractions of the world aside.