Four comedians weigh in.
"Pivot to digital.” It’s a phrase we’ve heard all too frequently throughout the pandemic and for live performers, it was a daunting task. Transitioning to a virtual format meant mastering all kinds of new technology while also removing one of the most crucial elements of any performance - the in-person audience.
COVID-era virtual performances started with meager beginnings - how many live streams did you watch of an artist broadcasting from their bedroom on their cell phone? - but the quality of these presentations quickly increased alongside the appetite for online shows. And with the constant push and pull of ever shifting rules around gathering limits and restrictions on in-person events across the country, virtual events are becoming part of the ‘next normal.’
To their credit, performers have been quick to adapt to the new landscape, delivering unique shows, innovative presentations, and creative approaches to the virtual sphere. While no digital event will ever match the magic and energy of a real-life in-person event, entertainers are indeed discovering some benefits of offering online performances.
1. LESS TRAVEL
Surely some of us miss the hustle and bustle of airports and the electric atmosphere of stepping foot in a new city, but travel can create a lot of undue stress and eat up a significant amount of personal time for performers. Offering virtual shows allows talent the ability to have a healthier home life while also freeing up capacity to be more productive.
“The vast majority of the time, I was flying several hours, to do a show for one hour, to sleep away from home, to fly several more hours back home,” says Steve Patterson, comedian and host of CBC’s The Debaters. “Now, I walk three minutes to the office space I rent near my home, do a show for an hour and then walk three minutes home. Six minutes of travel versus multiple hours and days just seems more efficient.”
Less pressure, minimal hassle, and significantly lower idle time can also contribute to better mental health and wellness for performers.
2. EXPANDED OFFERINGS
Revenue streams are admittedly lower in pandemic times, but virtual shows can help diversify a performer’s income - or at least stretch it out. By recording pre-taped shows, performers can literally be in several places at once. Instead of one show a night, they could be doing two or three. Some streaming partners are now also creating geo-gated possibilities, meaning that a performer could host a show for an audience in a specific city tonight and offer the same show to an audience in a whole different city the next night.
Whether taped or live, online performances in general offer the potential of reaching brand new audiences - particularly ones who may not be able to see shows regularly.
“I have heard from countless audience members who don’t live in major cities how much they appreciate being able to see some of their favourite comedians right from their couch,” says stand-up comedian Erica Sigurdson.
“Couples with young children have also mentioned that they love being able to open a bottle of wine once the kids are in bed and feel like they’re having a date night with a live performance.”
“When everything goes back to normal, virtual will just be another price point on the list." - James Mullinger
3. KEEPING IN TOUCH & BUILDING THE FANBASE
There will come a day when live events will be back in full force. Until then, however, it's important for performers to stay in touch with their fans. Virtual shows can keep the lines of communication open.
Performing online can also feed the hunger people are feeling for live events, stoking their desire to get out and see performers live when the time comes. Since anybody with an internet connection and a couple of bucks can tune in, virtual shows are helping to cultivate new audiences as well all while allowing performers the chance to test run new material and learn how to adapt to this new landscape.
“I have had so many positive comments from people who say they have never been to a comedy show before but will now seek one out,” says comedian James Mullinger, who performed more than forty virtual shows in the last year. “In short, I have a whole new act and a whole new fanbase.”
4. APPEASING THE PERFECTIONIST ON YOUR ROSTER
A show gone bad, a bombed performance, a cold crowd - every performer has reviewed a show and thought: “I wish that went better.” Pre-taped material can help performers put their best foot forward every single time. They can also allow performers to be more creative and open up possibilities that just aren’t possible in a live setting, which can be a prime motivator while also playing into their penchant for a unique artistic approach. Virtual shows also help performers maintain a higher level of creative control over their material and choose their presenting partners more carefully.
5. GET IN ON THE GROUND FLOOR
While virtual shows certainly won’t be the only future for performers in a post-COVID world, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that they definitely aren’t going to dry up. Getting to know the terrain early, learning what works and what doesn’t, and finding the means to create innovative digital experiences is a great way to ensure performers are primed and ready for this multi-pronged hybrid future.
“Regardless of what happens in the future, the pandemic has completely changed the game,” says digital comedian Jay Malone. “The technology to combine a live and streamed audience for the same show has been there for a while but now the whole world is open to the idea. This creates a huge opportunity for performers to broaden their base and do shows with even more reach once the pandemic has eased.”
PHOTOS c/o Steve Patterson, James Mullinger, Erica Sigurdson, and Jay Malone.