Life Behind the Screen: A Story of Work, Family and Bad Content

A new theatrical experience immerses audiences in the chaotic world of a content moderator during COVID‑19 lockdown.

🎭 The Premise

Frank: a single father, struggling to keep his life together while moderating content in the early days of the pandemic.
Setting: Home office outside Chicago, screens surrounding the audience.
Conflict: Balancing work, a strained marriage, and his relationship with his teenage son.

📺 Immersive Technology

Surrounding Screens: Every decision Frank makes—accept or reject—is projected in real time.
Audio Layer: Background chatter, supervisor’s cryptic “look but don’t see,” and Rayne’s support create a realistic noise environment.
Technical Glitch: A ten‑minute pause during the matinee reminded everyone that even a flawless production can stumble.

💬 Characters

Character	Role
Frank	Content moderator, protagonist
Wife	Separated, upset over hidden debt
Teen Son	Frank’s closest but fraught connection
Supervisor	“Look but don’t see” mantra
Rayne	Fellow moderator who watches the toughest content

🛠️ Creative Team

Designers: Craft a stark visual contrast between mundane office life and harrowing content.
Lighting & Sound: Amplify the weight of each click, making the audience feel every moral dilemma.

⚖️ Themes

Moral Ambiguity: Frank’s desire to help (e.g., the boy Gus) clashes with the grim reality of his job.
Human vs. Machine: The play questions how much agency a person has when guided by algorithms and corporate directives.
Resilience: Despite setbacks, Frank continues to fight for better outcomes.

🎟️ Takeaway

The production is a stark reminder that the monsters we confront daily—both online and offline—are relentless. Frank’s battle is a microcosm of the broader struggle to maintain humanity amid digital darkness.