Analyzing aspects of Theatre in Virtual Reality
Theatre in Virtual Reality
There is so much to be explored with just the words “Theatre” and “Virtual Reality”. Theatre itself is meant to be immersive and dare I say, it is another reality itself.
Why? Is there even a point to Virtual Reality Theatre if you don’t own a VR headset? Virtual Reality itself is not defined by a Head Mounted Display (HMD). This unique world can be experienced in a variety of ways in 2021.
The platform I’ve chosen for my project is Mozilla Hubs. This website allows you to choose an avatar and enter a room first person POV on a computer or on a HMD. No account required. My project has a few different aspects of it that all intend to come together within Hubs.
I’ve been working on building a low poly 3D Model of Ryerson’s Mainstage Theatre that can be used in VR. 3D modeling is not something I knew how to do before this project but I am extremely lucky to have Alex Verni from the Creative Technology Lab helping me out. Here’s a rendering of what we have so far.
The CTL has graciously loaned out some HMDs for this project as well. I quickly realized that I could not explore performance in VR without performers. Fourth year actor Quinlan Shearer and second year actor Jeff Clement are helping me explore acting in VR with the Oculus headsets. New discoveries are being made each time we meet! It’s absolutely refreshing to be exploring an entirely new medium of performance that is fun and interactive. To be able to jump into a video game type setting as a project with my peers has truly taken some darkness out of online school.
So far, we have been specifically exploring Avatars (Wardrobe & Characters), 3D Models (Props) and Scenes (Sets & Venues). We have just begun looking at performer audience relationships. There are many avenues to explore with this, but I’ll leave you with something that has been lingering in my head while I do this project: In this virtual world there is no true indicator between performer and audience.
I am so lucky to announce that Anand Rajaram, actor, writer, director, performance artist, will be working with myself and the actors to help with vision and direction for digital storytelling. We have so much to learn from him and we are extremely excited to have him come and join us in our exploration.
As I continue to work tirelessly on this passion project I am so grateful for the people who are supporting me through this process. As the due date draws closer I am getting extremely excited (and nervous!) to share my work at the end of semester Create Showcase.