From the moment audiences want to see the production, I immediately have them use their phones to text a phone number. This is to build the language that the performance is smart phone centric. I take them through a texting section, powered by Textedly, then to a Google Form to gather information on how they want to experience the show, and then later during the show I use Poll Everywhere for the actual live performance for real-time on-stage results.
Once audience members text the number, they are asked to respond with the phrase “NIGHT_” to select which night they want to see the performance. In return they see this message to direct them to a google survey.
The google survey is to further give me information about what kind of experience they want to have, as well as suggest to bring personal phone chargers. Based on their participation responses, they will either not participate, only participate in the polls, or be given directions during the show.
Right about when the show starts, I get on a computer backstage that has pre-made template messages to send to audiences. At three points in the show I message the audience and gauge how involved they are based on if they complete the instructions or not.
In order to message multiple people at once, I group the participants based on what night performance they signed up for, and send a mass message that each person receives individually.
From the moment audiences walk in, they are greeted with a website link to take them to Poll Everywhere. On that website I built custom polling questions, added graphics and selected how to present the data I receive from the audience on monitors along the proscenium of the stage.
I specifically chose smartphones due to the personal nature of having your own device being a part of an engaging experience. It also allows for accurate results as opposed to simply shouting the answer.
The purpose for using a web browser instead of continuing with the texting system was to also lock in the audiences virtual experience. It allowed me to ensure I knew what they were looking at, and give them direct feedback for when they chose an answer. If they were to respond to polls via text, there is no obvious feedback that your vote was cast among the 40 other people in the audience.
An issue I discovered was not everyone had their voice heard when submitting single word responses. These were used for the body and office searches. the Poll Everywhere program allowed me to limit individual responses. This also came in handy during the interrogation scenes.