06.06.08
webpick of the week
Entertainment, Consumer
Six one-act plays written, rehearsed, directed and performed within 24 hours. As different from a Broadway production as it sounds.
Celebrating its twelfth year, this theater group has steadfastly remained an off-Broadway endeavor with a cult-like following. Its site balances personality and information while upholding the group's “indie” vibe and remaining true to its audience—without alienating a new one.
The design is simple, raw and, like the plays, not overproduced. The copy mixes playfulness with absurdity and still finds a way to be informative. And the gritty appearance showcases the unique and non-traditional nature of the plays while at the same time being entertaining and easy to navigate.
• The site uses a combination of Flash preloaders, caching and compartmentalization of content to speed up download times.
• The cityscape loads like stage props being raised.
• The sound experience is every bit the Big Apple: Blues music plays in the background and the sound of a typewriter echoes between pages.
www.shinenorth.com