Pop-Up & Drive-Through: Outdoor Performances and LiveNote During COVID-19
How do you continue to provide live performances for audiences in the midst of a global pandemic? Over the past few months, many arts organizations pivoted toward livestreaming content. OperaDelaware turned to the great outdoors.
How are they taking opera out of the theatre and into the local community? We caught up with General Director Brendan Cooke to learn more.
General Director Brendan Cooke welcomes patrons to Drive-Through Arias.
Photo: Moonloop Photography
What business challenge prompted you to look at LiveNote as a possible solution?
In pre-Covid 19 times, we usually only did one or two performances a year that were outdoors, or in a venue where it would be difficult to supply supertitles with a projector or a TV screen. Presently, singing indoors is not safe.
We recognized a limited window of opportunity to offer live performances outdoors while the weather cooperates. LiveNote affords us the opportunity to enhance the patron experience with live translations, digital program information, and appeals for support.
How did you come up with the idea for Drive-Through Arias?
When something is your only option, it is your best option! We knew that whatever we presented the safety of our artists and patrons was our first priority.
The "Drive-Through Arias" idea allows patrons to come for a short (20 min) concert from the comfort of their cars, while our artists perform from the fire escape in front of our facility. Cars would come through ten at a time, then we'd send them on their merry way and repeat the program for the next group.
Now that we are comfortable, and confident that we can manage traffic flow and seating safely, we are converting that program to an “Al Fresco Arias” program, where patrons can get out of their cars and sit in physically distanced "pods." This is a 40-minute program. Patrons are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner, etc.
How does Pop-Up Opera differ from Drive-Through Arias?
Think of Drive-Through Arias as "Curbside Service" and Pop-Up Opera as the "Grub-hub" of opera --- we deliver! We tow a small trailer, bring a generator and an electronic keyboard, and the world is our oyster.
These performances (so far) have gone to members of our community that cannot attend live performances. We started the initiative with some "thank you" performances for health care workers during shift changes at two of our local hospitals, and we were able to bring the trailer to a local retirement community that is still on a bit of a lock-down.
The response has really been extraordinary. In both programs, audiences have been very appreciative of live music, but the primary difference is the element of surprise. It's great to watch people stop and stare while passing by. Some even log in to LiveNote.
How was the LiveNote setup process?
Setup could not be easier. We are still determining the best solution for operating the titles at an event, but that's just an equipment preference - laptop vs. iPad vs. smartphone.
How well has LiveNote worked in these environments?
The platform has worked consistently as promised. Depending on the audience and their access to mobile devices, we see varying degrees of utilization. Events that are published in advance have much more engagement. They know to look for it.
My favorite experience so far, has been sending live messages to attendees in the parking lot to HONK rather than yell BRAVO....and BOOM...everyone honked. THE POWER! (evil laugh)
Would you like to learn more?
Let’s talk! We would love to discuss how LiveNote can support outdoor performances.
Are you a LiveNote client? Contact Lena.
Would you like to learn more about LiveNote? Contact David.