ABSTRACT
This chapter grounds contemporary immersive theater practice historically and suggests ways that emerging directors might employ immersive techniques in otherwise traditional theater productions, so as to expand the range of directing tools at their disposal. It describes some exercises that readers can attempt in order to experiment with and acquire immersive techniques. In Immersive Theatres: Intimacy and Immediacy in Contemporary Performance, Josephine Machon describes the broad range of theatrical events that fall under the term immersive and outlines the key elements of immersive work. The chapter also talks about several techniques to make audience members comfortable with the intimacy of the performance style, including the use of mirrors and two-way mirrors. It advises readers that as they begin to explore devising theater with an ensemble, their work together will benefit from addressing the company's goals and desires at the outset. The chapter suggests three ways to devise new work and briefly illustrates each approach.
