New to the Media essays

New to the Media essays I have never been to a live play performance before, but I have seen one on video. I loved it as though I was reading a great storybook; being able to stop at anytime and pick up where I left off, but I never thought about the relationship between the performers and the audience. Nor did I think of the impact of all of the aspects that deal with creating a play and giving a great performance. For my first live play I went to go see Polaroid Stories; a play I thought would not be so shocking to a first time audience member. I was wrong; this play almost literally looked me in the face and slapped me. The play had the look of a run down playhouse that had little funding and little direction, but I later pieced it together that they made it part of the play, and obviously you are not supposed to see those who are back stage directing. Additionally, I over looked the performers costumes, the stage lighting, and set design; everything I took for granted. I thought I could see the props and everything that was strategically placed or used, but I missed them all. I was surprised at how these people in charge took the look of a run down playhouse and made it their stage. This was life on lifes canvas and it was totally different from watching television. Everything became so tangible and real. For a moment I lost my self and really got into the play. I didnt think I was watching a group of people on a set acting for my entertainment, I felt I was actually watching life. As if I stepped out of my body for a moment and walked the streets seeing the life of these street kids. You cant exactly get that from television; your mind is constantly running when you watch this play. The fact that the stage was right in front of me does not compare to television. If I took one step forward I would have been on stage, i f I wasnt already. One of the actors I felt breeze by me, and I could smell the smoke ...