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The past three years have flown by quickly, with the rise of XR theater and live virtual entertainment catching everyone’s attention. The pandemic forced theaters to close, creating a void that needed to be filled by entertainers and audiences. Now, in 2023, theaters are open once again, but the popularity of XR theater has not diminished. In fact, it has become even stronger, offering a unique way to tell stories and attract new audiences to traditional entertainment venues.
Before delving deeper into the world of immersive theater, it’s important to clarify some terminology. When we talk about immersive experiences in XR, we’re referring to 3D virtual environments explored spatially through augmented, mixed, or virtual reality. However, immersive theater has been around long before XR, involving participants interacting with actors, props, and sets in physical spaces. The roots of XR theater can be traced back to immersive theater.
Ferryman Collective, a leading production company in XR theater, was founded during the pandemic by individuals with experience in immersive theater. Their first major production, “Severance Theory: Welcome to Respite,” originally started as an in-person immersive theater show before transitioning to XR.
“The Under Presents,” released in 2019, is considered one of the first significant pieces of XR theater. Developed by Tender Claws, this experience introduced viewers to live XR theater and inspired other artists during a time of need in the theater community.
Ferryman Collective was born out of the pandemic and was brought together through their shared experiences with “The Under Presents.” Their productions, such as “PARA” and “Krampusnacht,” have garnered acclaim and extended runs, with “Welcome to Respite” being a standout adaptation of a pre-pandemic immersive theater production.
Expanding the scale of XR theater audiences has been a focus for innovators like Brandan Bradley. His production, “NPC,” incorporates group decision-making dynamics, allowing for a more interactive experience. By involving both on-stage participants and a seated audience, Bradley can cater to a wider range of audience preferences and accessibility.
In exploring the affordances of XR theater, benefits such as easier set design and storage are balanced with challenges like expression limitations and the lack of physical interaction between actors and participants. Despite these obstacles, XR theater has the unique ability to convey emotional intimacy and tackle heavy themes like mortality and consciousness.
Emotions are at the core of XR theater experiences, with audiences and performers alike forming deep connections through immersive storytelling. Whether it’s exploring intimate gestures in virtual worlds or delving into complex emotional narratives, XR theater offers a new dimension to traditional entertainment.
For those interested in experiencing XR theater, following companies like Tender Claws, OnBoardXR, and Ferryman Collective is a great starting point. Engaging with fellow audience members and exploring different productions can provide valuable insights into this evolving and captivating art form.
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