VIRGINIA TECH THEATRE ARTS - UNIVERSITY THEATRE PRESENTS

"THE ONLINE FRONT PORCH" ARCHIVE




On the 19 and 20 of November 1996 at 8 pm EST. The Konnarock Critters took part in an on-line experiment in connectivity. The Critters performed live on-line with cyber-audience members having the opportunity to participate in real time.

The Konnarock Critters

From Left to Right: Brian Grim, Debbie Grim, and Jim Lloyd


"The On-Line Front Porch" is the second of a series of three on-line projects produced by Matthew Saunders, an MFA candidate in Arts Administration at Virginia Tech. The first, an original play called "The Renaissance Man", generated interest and audience from places as far as Austria. "The On-Line Front Porch" is a workshop production incorporating virtual performers and virtual audience in the creative process. Through the magic of high-speed bi-directional video links, the "Konnarock Critters" will enjoy a three day world wide tour without ever leaving Blacksburg.

"The On-Line Front Porch" gave the "Critters" an unusual opportunity to preserve important cultural heritage and educate people in other places that might not have exposure to old-time music. This style music was originally performed when a group got together to pick on some one's front porch. The concert will be followed with an on-line talk back session that will allow people in the audience and cyber-audience a chance to learn more through real time interaction. In a very real sense, this event represents old meeting new creating an interesting dichotomy of cutting edge computer technology and the traditions of past generations. Audience participation ranged from Virginia to Pennsyvania and Illinois.

AUDIO AND VIDEO FILES

The following links have short audio clips in an au format. To listen to the "Critters" play, just click on each of the links. Each clip runs for about 45 seconds. They are large files to download, each at about 500 k.

The Nancy Blevins Song

Victory Rag

I've Endured

Candy Girl

The following link is a short QuickTime (TM) clip of part of the show. *WARNING* this is a large download consisting of over 3 MB.

Introductions


"The On-Line Front Porch" was a collaborative effort of Matthew Saunders, Theatre Arts-University Theatre, Virginia Tech Appalachian Studies, Clinch Valley College, and the William King Regional Arts Center. Special thanks to ATHE for use of ATHEMoo following the performances.


All material, with exception of the "Critters'" musical clips, and organizational logos (which are copyright © by their owners) in this site is strictly copyright © by J. Matthew Saunders 1996. The musical clips are copyright © by the Konnorock Critters. Please contact him if you would like permission for usage.


This page was designed by J.M. Saunders.
saunderm@vt.edu