At the for/word company, we developed a research question: what happens when cutting-edge projection technology—including motion capture and live media manipulation—is integrated into the development of a new play? Patience Worth was the fruit of that research and premiered at the Kranzberg Arts Center in St Louis during the national convention of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). We timed the opening to provide an opportunity to offer a professional development workshop for members at the convention led by myself and our projections system engineer, John Luna. We were also fortunate to connect our workshop with a parallel opportunity hosted by Raven Fox of Radiant Studio Works.
The workshop offered an opportunity for participants to see and use the bespoke media systems our production utilized. These unique tools involved the gaming engine Unity, live motion capture and avatar projection, and spatial mapping. The session also addressed our unique research question, the integration of design into the devising process, and the challenges of self-production.
Workshop Learning Objectives
- To discover a new model for technology-heavy collaborations for new works of theatre.
- To learn about new solutions to live projection control.
- To see ways live motion-capture has been integrated into theatrical performances.
- To meet the team behind Patience Worth and learn about their process and production.
