Some Definitions

There have been many confusing terms flying around the internet as we explore this brave new world, so let's begin by agreeing upon some definitions, which will be useful as you read on.    

     streaming: to share a live or recorded performance over the internet using streaming media services such as YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook, etc.

     livestreaming: to share a live performance over the internet using streaming media services.

     broadcasting: the transmission of programs by radio, television or internet streaming media services.

     pre-recorded/digital: a performance that has been recorded prior to the actual sharing of the performance; the actors are not present when the performance is shared.

     video editing: the general term for altering a recorded performance either to add remove or add elements, add animations or to weave together recorded performances captured at different times.
     CAUTION:  not the same as turning the show into a movie.

     virtual performance/online performance/digital performance/"zoom" performance: terms often used interchangeably to mean a performance which is shared with an audience through the internet

     broadcast software: an app or software which replaces hardware used for "switching" to allow video feed from more than one source to be manipulated for delivery to a viewing through a streaming platform

Adding Polish

Add polish to your streamed performance by utilizing a broadcasting software.  Using a Zoom type technology and a broadcast software, the students perform together although they are in separate spaces, and the video from the video conferencing software is fed through a broadcasting software on the host’s computer. The host is able to control whose video is seen by the audience, who appears to be interacting with whom, and even crop the video for special effects.  The audience sees whatever is happening slightly delayed from the live moment, but is unaware of this, due to the function of the broadcast software.  

Free broadcast software such as Streamlabs or OBS Studio, make it possible to add special effects and easily create scenes between selected performers during a live virtual performance, since sending the video through the software before sending it out on Facebook or YouTube allows the host much more control over what the audience sees.   Read all about it on Livestreaming 101 by LA Virtual Lighting Designer Andrew Schmedake, it is a clear explanation of what to do and how to do it.  You can catch Andrew's webinar here on EdTA's Learning Center for more tips and techniques.  

Another free resource available is ZoomOSC, created by Liminal Entertainment Technologies, LLC. ZoomOSC increases the capabilities of Zoom for live performance through the use of a media server. Visit the ZoomOSC page on Liminal Entertainment Technologies' website to learn more.

In this blog post by a drama teacher who created a virtual production, she shares the many lessons she learned from using an Open Broadcasting Software.