Now that we have begun a complete rebuild of the UpStage platform as part of the Mobilise/Demobilise project, the FAQs will be completely rewritten.

If you have a specific question, please see if it is here; if it isn’t, please email info@upstage.org.nz.

• How do I watch an UpStage performance?
• How do I find out when a performance is happening?
• Do I need to install any special software?
• How can I have my own UpStage?
• I’m trying to install the server software but I’m having problems – where can I get help?
• What if I want to create performances in UpStage but I don’t have my own server?
• How can I learn how to use UpStage?
• How can I create and upload my own graphics?
• What is open source and why is UpStage open source?
• What is Creative Commons and why is UpStage licensed that way?
• I’m researching UpStage; where can I find more information?
• My question isn’t here

• How do I watch an UpStage performance?
  Simply click on a link to a live stage and your browser will take you there. No log-in is required and no additional software needs to be installed.

• How do I find out when a performance is happening?
  Visit the UpStage Live Foyer to see what’s live and upcoming on the main UpStage. You can also join the UpStage email list and look on this website and on social media including the UpStage Facebook page.
  Other groups and artists using UpStage may advertise their performances on their own web sites, email lists and other places.

• Do I need to install any special software?
  No. UpStage functions in a standard browser on internet-connected computers and mobile devices.

• How can I have my own UpStage?
  Contact us to find out about hosted instances of UpStage, where you can create and present your own cyberformances and control who has access to your UpStage instance.
  You can also download the software and install your own UpStage server, if you have the technical knowledge to do this.

• I’m trying to install the server software but I’m having problems – where can I get help?
  UpStage is an open source application that is developed and maintained primarily by volunteers. If you are installing your own UpStage server, please join the UpStage developers’ email list, where you can ask questions about installation and anything else to do with development and maintenance – and you are welcome to contribute your ideas, experiences and code too.

• What if I want to create performances in UpStage but I don’t have my own server?
  Create a player account on UpStage.Live and get involved in the UpStage community.

• How can I learn how to use UpStage?
  Check out the UpStage Tutorial Videos and this introduction to UpStage. Create a player account on UpStage.Live, join the email list for notification of performances and workshops, or check the Events on this website.
  We also give workshops to groups, schools, students and at festivals and conferences. Please email info@upstage.org.nz if you are interested in having a workshop.

• How can I create and upload my own graphics?
  Graphics for UpStage (avatars, props and backdrops) are created using graphics applications and uploaded to UpStage. You need a player account to be able to do this – come to an open walkthrough to meet us and learn about becoming a player. Read the new user manual for information about how to create graphics and other media for UpStage.

• What is open source and why is UpStage open source?
  Open source means that the source code of the application is open – freely available for anyone to look at and write additional code for. Being open source means that if other people who are also using the software have ideas about how it could be improved, then they can write that code and it can be incorporated into the whole application. Everyone can contribute to making it a better application. We believe that this sort of collaboration is the best way to make software, as it means we all get to benefit from everyone’s input.

• What is Creative Commons and why is UpStage content licensed that way?
  Creative Commons is a way of licensing work that is not as rigid as the “all rights reserved” notion of copyright, allowing for collaboration and sharing of creativity.
  We have an Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike license which means that you can use UpStage for non-commercial projects and uses, but you must always attribute it (acknowledge UpStage) and if you change or alter it in anyway you must make those changes available it under the same license. UpStage is licensed this way to make it easy for artists and educators to use it as a creative tool, and to encourage anyone who wants to improve on the software to do so in a way that allows us all to benefit from those improvements.

• I’m researching UpStage; where can I find more information?
  We are compiling links to articles, book chapters, theses and other writing about UpStage here; you can also email us if you have specific questions.

• My question isn’t here
  We’ll try to answer it – info@upstage.org.nz.