So you want to take advantage of some of our new online offerings like the Virtual SHXcademy or an ASC/Masterclass but you’re not sure where to start with this “Zoom” thing.
We’ve got you covered!
Here, you’ll find general instructions on how to use Zoom as well as the ASC’s “Digital Classroom Etiquette” guide, which can help you understand what to expect from your virtual ASC “Shakespearience.” Let’s get started!
Getting Started
First, download the free Zoom desktop client or mobile app to your computer or smartphone:*
PC: https://zoom.us/support/download
App Store (iPhone): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id546505307
Google Play (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.zoom.videomeetings
While you can join a Zoom meeting directly from your online browser or even from a telephone line, we strongly recommend downloading the free desktop client or app to use instead.
Joining a Meeting
Each meeting has a unique 9, 10, or 11-digit number called a meeting ID that will be required to join a Zoom meeting. You will receive the meeting ID and password (if applicable) for your digital program in your confirmation email after completing your purchase.
Step by Step
- Open the Zoom desktop client or mobile app.
- Join a meeting using one of these methods:
- Click Join a Meeting if you want to join without signing in.
- Sign in to Zoom first, then click Join.
- Enter the meeting ID number and your display name.
- If you’re signed in, change your name if you don’t want your default name to appear.
- If you’re not signed in, enter a display name.
- Select if you would like to connect audio and/or video.
- Generally we encourage all participants to join all meetings with their audio and video ON.
- Click Join.
In the Meeting
- Be prepared to participate in your digital experience! Zoom makes it easy for you to weigh in using the attendee controls that usually appear at the bottom of your screen, which look something like this:
Attendee Controls
- Mute / Unmute: Click this button to mute and unmute your microphone. When muted, the microphone icon will have a red slash through it.
- Audio Controls (click the ^ arrow next to Mute / Unmute): Allows you to change the microphone and speaker that Zoom is currently using on your computer, leave computer audio, and access the full audio settings.
- Tip: Use the following keyboard shortcuts to mute or unmute yourself. You can also use push to talk if you want to unmute yourself by holding the spacebar.
- Windows: Alt + A
- Mac: Shift + Command + A
- Start Video / Stop Video: Turns your camera on or off. When your camera is off, the camera icon will have a red slash through it.
- Video Controls (click the ^ arrow next to Start Video / Stop Video): Change cameras if you have multiple cameras, select a virtual background (if enabled), or access your full video settings.
- Participants: See who’s currently in the meeting and invite others. You can also access to these options:
- Rename: Hover over your name and click Rename to change your screen name displayed to other participants.
- Non-verbal feedback icons (if enabled by the host): Places an icon beside your name to quickly notify the host.
- Share Screen: Start a screen share (if the host allows). You will be able to select the desktop or application you want to share. Learn more.
- Chat: Access the chat window to chat with the participants. You can chat privately to other attendees, or chat publically to the whole group. Learn more.
- Record: Start or stop a local recording. Attendees do not have access to start a cloud recording. Learn more.
- Note: The host will need to allow local recordings in their account settings, then give you permission to record. If you don’t have permission to record, use the in-meeting chat or audio to ask the host for permission.
- Leave: Leave the meeting while it continues for the other participants. Only the host can end the meeting.
Overview
Overall, we ask that you treat your participation in our digital programming the same way you would treat participation in our live classes and workshops: show up on time (early is even better!) and ready to participate. Here are some general tips for practicing good Zoom etiquette during your digital Shakesperience:
- Set yourself up for success. Make sure your webcam and microphone are functioning, and take some care to arrange your “frame” so that you are visible and well-lit (tip: place yourself and your device in FRONT of light sources like lamps or windows, so that you are not backlit).
- Minimize bandwidth strain. If possible, set yourself up close to your modem/router. If you share your connection with others (e.g. if your family has a shared WiFi network), ask if they can stay offline during your digital program to maximize your connection.
- Be ready to participate. ASC’s digital programs are not pre-recorded webinars or lectures — they live, seminar-style classes with limited enrollment and a heavy emphasis on attendee participation. Expect to ask (or answer) questions from your instructor or from other students, and be ready to contribute to the general conversation.