Intermedia performance to feature video, dance and music

​What audience members will realize during the two performances of “Re: view,” slated for Thursday, March 17, is the intermedia project has eliminated the barrier between on-camera and off-camera work. Both cast and crew will be visible simultaneously during the project’s live performances, creating a one-of-a-kind blend of video, dance and music.

Supported by Elon University’s Fund for Excellence, “Re: view” is billed as a student-led collaboration exploring “how choreographic elements inform aesthetic choices.” In layman’s terms, this project will give the audience a behind-the-scenes view of the typically hidden aspects of live event production.

The performances are scheduled for 6:30 and 8 p.m. in Roberts Studio Theatre at Scott Studios, located at 398 West Haggard Avenue in Elon. Admission is free.

“Re: view” is the creation of Elon faculty and staff members Bryan Baker, Jen Guy Metcalf and Max Negin, who began discussing the project as far back as fall 2014.

“When we started brainstorming, we had several ideas that aligned with what the Fund for Excellence is all about: promoting interdisciplinary work between students and faculty, enhancing the quality of our programs, and supporting student mentorship,” said Metcalf, an assistant professor of dance. “We knew we wanted to do something that combined our interests in video, dance and music.”

While the trio found inspiration from other dance and film projects, the program’s structure is their own invention. The two performances will run between 20 and 30 minutes, and begin with a documentary-style recap of the project’s creative process. A live emcee will then highlight what audience members can expect during the remainder of the show, which includes two live dance performances.

At the conclusion of the first dance, which was choreographed by Metcalf and students, a recap video package will be shown. “It will be very much like what you see at a sporting event when highlights are replayed,” Metcalf said. Afterward audience members will have an opportunity to interact on social media and the second dance will follow.

In total, the project consists of 29 cast and crew members, involving faculty, staff and students from the School of Communications and the Department of Performing Arts. Carey Harwood, adjunct assistant professor of music, and Chip Newton Jr., adjunct instructor in music, are serving as musicians. Michael Smith, associate professor of performing arts, is the project’s technical adviser.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to work with others outside of the School of Communications,” said Negin, an assistant professor of communications. “It’s a chance to work in a live event environment, and it’s a unique event where they will have to problem solve before and during the performances.”

​Negin applauded the project’s student participants, who have volunteered their time and talents to make the performances come to life.

“I have enjoyed seeing these students from different majors working together,” added Baker, coordinator of video projects in the School of Communications. “The first time the student television director saw the choreographed dance piece she was so excited about the production possibilities. Likewise, the first time the dance students entered the room with the television technology they were equally as excited. These students have learned different processes and terminologies, while realizing how much work and practice goes into each discipline. It has been a natural partnership.”

​Metcalf expressed both anxiety and enthusiasm heading into the performances, noting what all live performers understand: that anything can happen.

“I think there is always an element of fear and excitement when you are working with a live performance,” she said. “Anything can go wrong, and anything can go right. It’s a little nerve-racking, but I’m also very excited to see what will happen because no two performances are the same.”

Participants

Bryan Baker – Faculty Director
Max Negin – Faculty Director
Jen Guy Metcalf – Faculty Director
Michael Smith – Faculty Technical Adviser
Chip Newton – Musician
Carey Harwood – Musician
Roger Kohrs – Musician
Andrew Steinitz – Camera
Amory Parks – Crew
Emily Corwin – Floor Manager
Lauren Duncan – Director
Evan Burdett – Camera
Cristina Fadel – Camera
Charles Hawes – Audio
John Zimmer – Show Engineer and Camera
Kayla Hammer – Documentarian/Archivist
Devon LaFrance – Cinematographer
Kita DeMare – Cinematographer
Doug Del Pizzo – Lighting Designer and Light Board Operator
Hallee Bernstein – Dancer, Assistant to Choreographer
Brittany Pappaconstantinou – Dancer, Assistant to Choreographer
Lindsey Bischel – Dancer
Allison Ivan – Dancer
Alyx Bean – Dancer
Anna Claire Hughes – Dancer
Rachel Linsky – Dancer
Victoria Bond – Dancer
Monica Steffey – Dancer
Taylor Cassidy – Dancer