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Theatre on the Net Comes of AgeDateline: 29th February, 2004In the computer world they talk of "killer apps", applications that are so useful that people start to use computers or a particular computing field because of them. In the business and scientific worlds, one such application was the spreadsheet: the killer app which drove the world and his wife online was not the Internet per se but email. The ability to communicate instantly with people on the other side of the world for the price of a local phone call was much more of a draw to Mr and Mrs Average Guy than the reams of information available on websites, important though that may be. Up to now, theatre on the Net has followed most other areas of interest which have gone online: pages and pages full of information of use and interest to people in the business and theatregoers (such as the BTG), email for rapid communication (including email Newsletters such as ours) and online chat devoted to theatre, but it hasn't found its killer app, the application which will make the Net a necessity for industry professionals. Some thought they had it when they devised online casting sites, where producers, directors and casting directors could find the perfect actor for the part they are trying to fill. But no, these professionals preferred to work from their print (or CD) copies of The Spotlight, from picking up the phone to talk to trusted agents, and from the extensive files of information about actors which they have built up over time. They will use the online sites if all else fails, but they are really just very minor players in a much larger offline game. Others thought they had it when using streaming video to netcast performances of plays, but even with broadband connections the quality simply isn't good enough - and, anyway, video recordings of stage plays, even when watched in broadcast quality on a large screen TV, cannot capture the atmosphere of a live performance and, in fact, give a very false impression. So, although the Internet has offered much to theatre professionals, there's been no killer app, no compelling reason which (s)he must go online. Until now, that is... The new site UK TheatreAvailability.co.uk, which we highlight in our news story this week, could well be the killer app the business has been waiting for. Like spreadsheets and email, it meets a need, and it meets it in a way which can only happen on the Net. A single clearing house of available productions and theatres, accessible 24/7/365 from any Net-connected computer anywhere in the world with a couple of mouse-clicks: it's such an obvious idea that it's incredible that it has taken so long. After all, the technology is hardly cutting-edge: online databases have been going for years. Like all the best ideas, it's simple and everyone who hears about it kicks themselves for not thinking of it first. Well done, then, Marc Sinden (who, incidentally, is a regular visitor to this site: we interviewed him about his work as a producer last year) and Carol Macdonald. Of course, in Sinden the three necessary qualities to make the idea a success combine: a knowledge and understanding of the Internet, a track record and reputation within the business, and the contacts. Perhaps there are some more killer apps lurking out there, just waiting to be implemented. Who knows? I wish I did! Articles Indices:
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