Immersive Theatre
Exploring the interface between digital technologies, stage space, characters and narrative
Through the iMayflower funded Masters R&D Studentship Scheme, The Wardrobe Ensemble have been collaborating with University of Plymouth postgraduate student, Greg Bott, and academics from the MRes Digital Art and Technology programme, to explore how digital technologies could interact with a stage space, characters and narrative.
In early 2022, the University of Plymouth welcomed the company for a unique research and development period, which saw the team accessing the resources and expertise available in the University’s dedicated performing arts space, The House, and the Immersive Media Laboratory creating a wide ranging, hands-on exploration of immersive technologies in a theatrical setting.
Watch “Exploring immersive technologies with The Wardrobe Ensemble” a short documentary captured by BA Filmmaking graduates Harvey Andrews and Jack Baker.
Emily Greenslade, Co-founder & Engagement Producer at The Wardrobe Ensemble shared the impact of this experience on the work of the company.
“Working with the team at the University has been hugely beneficial for us. They have enabled the company to develop a fruitful new collaboration with MRes Digital Art student Greg Bott and opened us up to a whole host of creative technological possibilities to embed into our work.”
For Emily, the opportunity to experiment with new technologies in such a collaborative and supportive way was key to the success of the project.
“The University and iMayflower were hugely supportive throughout the process and enabled us to develop our project with Greg in a collaborative, open and organic way, which felt very refreshing.
“The company now has a greater understanding of the digital technologies and resources we're interested in and how we can integrate them into our theatre production. We look forward to the next stage of this project and working with iMayflower and the University in the future.”
Greg is continuing to work with The Wardrobe Ensemble throughout the remainder of his MRes Digital Art & Technology programme, supporting the development of an exciting new theatre production, which will combine live action with cutting-edge technology.
In October 2022, the company will undertake a second R&D week, taking a deep dive into narrative and story development, equipped with a multitude of technological and design possibilities that Greg has introduced during his time working with the team.
The iMayflower Masters R&D Studentship Scheme
The iMayflower Masters R&D Studentship Scheme, which ran between 2020–2022, saw postgraduate design, art, heritage, digital and built environment students collaborating with innovative organisations, to contribute to the development of a new product, service or experiential offering.
These unique collaborations were designed to increase the innovation capacity of the partner organisation, whilst at the same time offering postgraduate students an unprecedented learning experience and bringing external perspectives and experiences back into the University to inform future delivery.
If you would like to find out how we can support you, please contact: plymcreative@plymouth.ac.uk