Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
DPRCA raising funds for equipment needed to offer patrons the option to watch theatre performances from the comfort of their homes
The pandemic has altered every aspect of our lives, and in many ways not for the better. However, local arts organization Dakota Prairie Regional Center for the Arts (DPRCA) is taking advantage of a major shift in the theatre industry in hopes of opening up their programming to new audiences.
What if you couldn't make it to a live show at DPRCA for whatever reason? Well, until now, you would simply miss out. Due to rights/royalties contracts and copyright laws, DPRCA hasn't been able to record its live theatre performances in the past. However, in light of the drastic changes that the theatrical landscape has undergone due to COVID-19, many distribution houses are now including streaming/recording rights with their basic performance contracts. Think of the blockbuster Broadway show "Hamilton," which was recorded and then streamed on Disney+ this summer after live performances were suspended due to COVID-19.
This new development did not go unnoticed by the DPRCA Think-Tank, in fact it became their source of motivation and optimism.
"It is with great excitement that we can tell you that we are taking steps to ensure that all of our future productions will be recorded and available for pay-per-view streaming! This will open up so many avenues for future productions, even outside of our usual spring, summer, holiday lineup," as stated in a press release from DPRCA earlier this week.
Hopefully soon, with the power of technology, patrons will be able to purchase a stream code and watch a DPRCA performance on demand from the comfort of their own home.
The steps to achieve this are various and costly, with the biggest challenges being the purchase and installation of audio-video recording hardware, the purchase of video-editing software, and the upgrading of the Old Church Theatre's wireless network.
To make it all happen, DPRCA is conducting an aggressive, targeted fundraiser this fall. Any and all donations they receive will go into a fund dedicated solely to the procurement of all technology necessary to offer recorded pay-per-view performances.
Their goal is to raise $25,000 to purchase cameras, computers, software and internet upgrades. "With professional equipment, we will be able to not only produce our own pay-per-view shows but also produce other group's productions, giving us an additional revenue stream," said Artistic Director Elliott Schwab. Ideally the performances will be available to stream for up to a year after the live performances have ended.
During this fund drive, donors will receive one free stream code, per $100 donation, good for any of DPRCA's recorded productions. They hope to have the system in place in the spring before their first live performances of the 2021 season.
"I don't think you can ever duplicate that feeling you get from a live performance," Managing Director Deb Belquist noted. She's right, but that said, streaming opens the door to growing audiences for the nonprofit theatre company beyond the fixed number of seats available during the run of a live show. That's good for everyone, from the artists and performers to the patrons and their guests.
Donations can be sent to DPRCA, 818 Central Avenue, New Rockford, N.D. 58356. DPRCA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, so all donations for this fund drive are fully tax deductible.
