ABOUT THE SHOW

SPRING DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE | The Unit Operations Here Are Highly Specific
Directed by Daniel Jackson, TAPS PhD Student

The Unit Operations Here Are Highly Specific is a devised, movement-based work exploring the relationship between text, performance, and reception by allowing each audience member to choose from and switch between soundtracks while they watch a choreographed performance. The work playfully confronts the limits of personalization in the context of collective experience while interrogating how meaning is generated and where meaning resides in complex performance-media environments.

Stanford TAPS seeks to build a diverse cast for this production and encourages members of any race, gender identity, and ability to audition. If any accessibility accommodations are needed please email tapsinformation@stanford.edu for assistance.

In addition to its scheduled performances, this production may be live-streamed or recorded for public viewing.

ABOUT THE REHEARSAL PROCESS

From The Director

The rehearsal process will consist of generating and refining movement based on a visual score (in video format). The performers will watch the video score and generate their movement based on that. The audio scores, of which there are tentatively six, will be composed during this time, and delivered before tech but the performers don’t hear them — only the audience members do. The choreography must be capacious enough to “take” radically different audio tracks, so we’ll be exploring ideas around neutrality, emptiness, and stillness. I expect the rehearsal process to be exploratory, generative, and hopefully fun.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Daniel Jackson works in live performance and digital media at the intersection of technology, interactivity, and identity. His work interrogates the possibilities that new technologies provide for creating surprising experiences that question our understanding of the world. His recent work includes An Old Ruinous Vault, With A Strong Grated Door, Through Which The Moon-Beams Are Gleaming, exhibited as part of San Antonio’s CAM Perennial group art show, and Basement Complex Suite 102 at Jump-Start Performance Co. He holds an MFA in Video for Performance and Integrated Media from the California Institute of the Arts.

In addition to creating and producing his own work, Daniel has spent time working as an artist and technician with Andrew Schneider, Young Jean Lee, Radiohole, The Wooster Group, and Jump-Start Performance Co.

Daniel’s research interests include algorithmically generated performance, the execution of code as performance, performance in virtual spaces, and contemporary American experimental theater.

ABOUT AUDITIONS

The director is looking to cast ideally 5 performers through interview. Although this is a movement-based show, no dance or movement experience is required. All are encouraged to audition. Email Daniel Jackson: dnjack {at} stanford.edu

ASSISTANT POSITIONS