ChatRoulette, that viral sensation that allows people to chat with random people, has spawned all types of unusual behaviour and business, and is about to be part of a unique theater-based event called The ChatRoulette Show. The show will use a live internet connection projecting an encounter with show performers as well as the live audience. The show will also have a drinking game component based on the different people they see. These types of new social experiences are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to live entertainment leveraging new social media, in my opinion.
The concept of a show where people interact with live, random people on the web is something that guarantees spontaneity, and represents a whole new type of entertainment. It’s surprising that more bars and night-time entertainment venues have not leveraged the power of the vast content of the web to keep patrons innovatory entertained. I suspect that it’s actually been a challenge of understanding the necessary technology, but shows like The ChatRoulette Show are likely realizing that isn’t all that difficult to get a big screen, a camera and an Internet connection, and once they did, they realized they could treat people to something new. Certainly leveraging something like Twitter could be interesting.. Imagine a drinking game that analyzed all kinds of Tweet Photos in real-time, all done at a large downtown bar. I also often think of the Microsoft Surface table and how it would be awesome to be able to have a drink with friends at a bar and then slide them over a Youtube video or chat with other tables at the bar.
The Director of the Illuminated Theater discussed:
Jonathan Bender, Artistic Director of The Illuminated Theater, asserts, “Theater is my passion, but relatively few people attend because the form doesn’t speak to them. Why not create an event based on a current phenomenon, and also guarantee it to be different every time? Since it’s impossible to know who (or what) you’ll find on chatroulette.com, the show is impossible to predict – except that it will always be outrageous and hysterical.” Because of chatroulette.com’s infamy, he expects The ChatRoulette Show to draw in audiences that may not normally attend theater.
The show will be on June 17th at the Makeout Room in San Francisco; the following week it bares all in Berkeley at LaVal’s Subterranean Theatre. Shows are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. 21 and over. I recommend you head over, and expect a truly social experience.
