Voices of VR #1564: Adding Participatory & Community Elements to the Cinematic Tradition with PAM CUT’s Tomorrow Theater
May 30, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Amy Dotson, Director of PAMCUT, shares her vision for the Tomorrow Theater, a hub for innovative cinematic experiences in Portland. She discusses how the theater blends traditional film with participatory elements, fostering community engagement. The exciting upcoming Plus Plus festival aims to push boundaries in immersive storytelling. Dotson emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and creativity in the arts, showcasing how new technologies are shaping the future of interactive experiences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Tomorrow Theater's Unique History
- The Tomorrow Theater was formerly a live sex club and has a rich history including a vaudeville house and church.
- Amy Dotson appreciates repurposing a historic space with unique stories for community and immersive art use.
Diverse, Unbounded Programming Model
- Programming 25 unique events a month builds diverse audiences with many newcomers every night.
- Pam CUT embraces unboundedness, attracting people with very different interests to all collide in the same space.
Foster Audience Participation
- Encourage audience participation with activities like bingo or group discussions during screenings.
- Facilitate organic social engagement to break down formal theater barriers and foster community.
