UW–Madison’s Megan Reilly, an assistant professor in the School of Education’s Department of Theatre and Drama, recently participated in a panel discussion exploring the “challenges and rewards of producing live theater in a digital age” that was part of the 2024 Cap Times Idea Fest.
For the panel, which was moderated by Capital Times arts reporter Lindsay Christians, Reilly joined fellow Madison-area theater professionals in the Overture Playhouse to explore the impact of digital technology on live theater, from streaming innovations to the use of virtual reality in productions. Along with Reilly, the panelists included American Players Theatre’s Sara Young, Forward Theater Company’s Jennifer Uphoff Gray, and actor Samantha Newcomb.
The panelists discussed the evolving landscape of theater in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on how digital tools are not only enhancing accessibility but also reshaping audience engagement.
Reilly, who has explored virtual reality in her theater work, expressed that the need for this work exists — and that it can provide meaningful audience experiences.
“Coming out of the pandemic, a lot of people were kind of decrying streamed theater and digital theater not being real theater, not live theater, just the temporary replacement for when we get back to the real thing,” she said. “I was really sad … if we can do (virtual) theater better, then we should.”
Read more about the panel discussion in this Capital Times article.