From the audio transcript:

“ If you are hearing this, it means you have volunteered yourself for a low-stakes experiment in ethnomethodological study. Results are based purely on descriptive analysis. There will be no evaluation of the data collected. By participating in this research you subject yourself to no danger besides that of self-inflicted judgment, and you are contributing to a new body of microsociological study, specifically that of dramaturgical analysis of social interaction. On behalf of everyone involved in the ongoing study, we thank you for your service.

Please pick up the dishes which are in their starting position near the starting position of the headset, which you are now wearing. Take the plate, napkin, utensils and glass to the empty spot at the table, and take a seat.”

The live Guided Dining Service Research Project was held on the night of November 7th from 8-11pm at CalArts D301 Gallery, Valencia, CA.

Self-selected volunteer participants were invited to pick up a listening device with headphones and follow along with a 14 minute-long guidance track produced and recorded by Dallas Havoc, which would take them through a ritualized dining experience, interacting with the two dining guest constants, T.F.W. Frome  (Brin Gordon) and D.F.A. Cathy (Kate Renshaw-Lewis), surveyed by the Test Coordinator (Dallas Havoc). The Test Coordinator took hand-written carbon copy notes during each course of the 14 minute routine. During the course of the three-hour test run, about 10 participants had the opportunity to go through the dining service.