WHAT IS GATHER?
Gather is a web-browser based virtual platform that combines video-calling with a 2D map that you explore as an Avatar, allowing you to move fluidly, with space to start conversations with those around you. You will be invited to participate in moments of interaction with artists and other audience members throughout Femme Folks Fest. Gather requires a computer (laptop or desktop) and a Chrome or Firefox browser. We recommend wearing headphones. Please note that Gather is not yet fully supported in mobile (phone/tablet).
For more information please visit How to Gather @ FFF or consult Gather’s Welcome Guide
WHICH EVENTS ARE HOSTED ON GATHER?
The Vintage Project can only be experienced on Gather.
Our Playwright in Residence and Company in Residence will have custom office spaces on Gather and this is where they will be working during their office hours and where they will meet with people who book an appointment with them,
FFF Pass holders will be invited to explore Gather pre-Festival at our Run Around and Systems Check!
What do I need to access Gather?
Gather requires a computer (laptop or desktop) and a Chrome or Firefox browser. We recommend wearing headphones. Please note that Gather is not yet fully supported in mobile (phone/tablet).
FFF Pass holders will be invited to explore Gather pre-Festival at our Run Around and Systems Check!
Which events are hosted on Zoom?
Playwright Readings, Workshops, Discussions (Puppetry and Intimacy Direction), and presentation of Skin a Cat will be hosted on Zoom. Audience members may choose to connect to the Zoom meeting using a Zoom link, or by going to the Festival Heart in Gather and linking through to the Zoom call from there.
What do I need to access Zoom?
Zoom can be accessed on a computer (laptop or desktop), iPad, tablet or smartphone. You can also call in to a session on your phone for an audio-only experience. We recommend downloading the Zoom app to your device. To check that you have the most recent version of Zoom, visit: https://zoom.us/download If you are just getting started with Zoom, here is a video guide: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-meeting
I registered for a Festival Pass, how do I access the events?
During the Festival, FFF Pass holders will receive a daily email — the FFF Heart Beat. This email will include event descriptions and links to attend each event: a link to the Gather hub (and directions about where to go in Gather to get to the event – i.e. “Join us in the Theatre to access today’s Playwright Reading”) and specific Zoom links for each event that allow one to join without going through Gather.
FFF Pass holders will be invited to explore Gather pre-Festival at our Run Around and Systems Check!
Are festival events live or can I watch them at any time?
Femme Folks Fest’s line-up is meant to be experienced in community, with artists and other audience members, and events will occur at a set showtime.
Select events will be recorded and shared at a later date.
What accessibility features are available on Gather?
Gather is a virtual world that allows participants to move their avatars around to interact via chat or video with those nearby. There is also a text chat function.
- Festival events held on Gather rely on a visual map and the ability to move through space using the arrow keys and access menu items by clicking the trackpad/mouse on your computer. Gather does not afford moving your avatar by voice.
- Screen readers tested in Gather provided no verbal feedback regarding the avatars location nor what virtual spaces or other avatars were nearby. It was possible to navigate to the chat and “chat to all” to facilitate wayfinding or asking for help, but chatting with a specific user in the space was not possible.
- You are able to have your avatar automatically follow another to facilitate wayfinding. If you would like to use this function with either a Festival staff member or someone attending events with you, please let us know please contact rebecca@patthedog.org
- Gather does not support captioning. Interactions with other attendees happen through video chat and chat box text.
- To make an appointment to tour the Gather space in advance please contact rebecca@patthedog.org
To contact Gather’s team with questions about the platform please contact: support@gather.town
Need technical support to attend Femme Folks Fest 2021?
Email Rebecca at rebecca@patthedog.org
Femme Folks Fest is produced by Pat the Dog Theatre Creation. Founded in 2006, Pat the Dog provides an essential home for the creation of extraordinary new works of Canadian theatre. The company is led by Artistic Director Lisa O’Connell.
Pat the Dog Theatre Creation acknowledges that we are located on the Haldimand Tract, land promised to Six Nations, which included six miles on each side of the Grand River. We are on the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral Confederacy), Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples.