Mad Horse Theatre is proud to present a new virtual theater experience, “This is Just Intermission,” a digital physical comedy, created and performed by Jared Mongeau in a real-time stream at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, and Friday, Feb. 26 — with streaming available through March 7.

Mad Horse and Mongeau teamed up to develop “This is Just Intermission” to explore what defines “live theatre” in the age of COVID by creating as engaging a theatrical experience as possible. Through feedback from the audience, the show will be work-shopped further before the second performance. Performances will include a talk-back, and an optional survey.

In “This is Just Intermission,” Mongeau plays with perspective and explores what opportunities this new form of theater can provide. Blurring the lines between physical and digital, Mongeau worked with Ronlin Foreman, who is renowned for his work in clown and theater. Foreman is the former school director of Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre in California, where Mongeau graduated from the 3-year MFA program.

“This is Just Intermission” has been a socially-distant project through its creation, and all technical elements of the play have been designed using common apps and smart-devices. The performance will be recorded and streamed from the actor’s bedroom, and technical needs will be fulfilled remotely by Mark Rubin (Mad Horse artistic director). Original illustrations for the show were created by Nolan Ellsworth.

Mongeau has over a decade of professional experience in the theater and clown, including with the historic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, and his original work has been featured at theatre festivals internationally. As an actor, he has worked locally with Good Theater and Mad Horse Theatre Company.

“This is Just Intermission” is a work in progress and the audience will be an integral part of the process. Voluntary audience feedback, both by participating in a follow-up questionnaire and the talk-back, will be extremely valuable to Mongeau as he explores new forms of theater. The evening will include a live zoom performance followed by a talk back. Your ticket includes access to both live performances and a link to a recording of the Feb. 19 performance. Tickets start at $5 and are available at madhorse.com. This show is suitable for all ages.

Support the arts in Maine. Consider donating to Mad Horse Theatre Company and our virtual programming by visiting madhorse.com/contribute. To connect with Mad Horse Theatre Company visit www.madhorse.com or Facebook (Mad Horse Theatre Company), follow us on Instagram and Twitter @madhorsetheatre, or send an email to madhorseboxoffice@gmail.com.