The ChatRoulette Show by the Illuminated Theater Gets Increasingly Interactive

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 29, 2010 (Press-News.org) The ChatRoulette Show, a project of The Illuminated Theater, returns in September to San Francisco and Berkeley with improvements to the show format, designed to more fully engage and involve both live audience members and users of chatroulette.com.

The ChatRoulette Show, a performance project of The Illuminated Theater that utilizes a live connection with chatroulette.com, returns in September to Berkeley and San Francisco with an improved, even more interactive format.

The Illuminated Theater strives to make theater and live performance events dynamic and exciting, drawing upon novel formats, venues, and styles. And, by creating online versions of performances that stand on their own, the work reaches a much larger audience (for a newly released video as well as older ones, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/illuminatedtheater).

Chatroulette.com, the infamous web site where users randomly encounter other people with web cameras, is soon unveiling a much-improved site. The ChatRoulette Show, a variety show that takes place in bars with performance spaces is also improving its format. The show will still include featured performers (ranging from drag queens to singer/musicians to clowns), who take turns entertaining both surprised chatroulette users as well as the live audience. However, the upcoming September shows will feature even greater interaction with the audience.

"The entire nature of the show is about involvement and connection," asserts Jonathan Bender, Artistic Director of The Illuminated Theater. "The audience is always thrilled when people on chatroulette.com get excited. We want to go to the next level, so that those in the room transcend being mere spectators."

The show was already quite participatory, with loud positive and negative responses to the chatroulette users as well as an optional drinking game, kicking in when nudity appears on screen. While audience members were already invited to take a turn and win prizes, many felt held back by the virtuosity of those performing (the 8/27 show's lineup includes FriScO, the 2010 US Beatboxing Champion, professional burlesque performers, and professional actors). By incorporating fun activities that anyone can play, such as Twister or a food-eating contest, audience members can get more engaged if they wish to. Bender reminds, however, that "all participation is optional - we want everyone to do what's comfortable and exciting for them, without any pressure."

In other developments, the website now includes a blog, allowing people to go behind the scenes, make suggestions, and contribute the evolution of the show. Bender states: "As a groundbreaking, highly interactive performance form utilizing Web 2.0 technology, feedback about the show is just as important as audience involvement during the show."

The ChatRoulette Show returns to The Makeout Room in San Francisco on September 16th and then to Berkeley at The Starry Plough on September 30th. Upcoming performers include Sam Rogers (the One-Mouth Band), Lady Monster (burlesque), Patina Rude (drag), and more. Admission in San Francisco is 21+.

The ChatRoulette Show - A Project of The Illuminated Theater
September 16th, 7:30pm at The Makeout Room, 3225 22nd Street, San Francisco ($10 advance / $15 door)
September 30th, 8pm at The Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley ($10 advance / $12 door)
Info/tickets: http://www.chatrouletteshow.com

The Illuminated Theater is dedicated to creating dynamic theater and performance events more fun and exciting than going to the movies, a rock concert, or playing Xbox. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.chatrouletteshow.com.