The fellows are working with us and spatial computing pioneer Magic Leap, using their different backgrounds in digital storytelling to investigate how new technologies could shape theatre in the future.

Throughout the year of the fellowships, the group will also receive expert input from university partners i2 media research Limited at Goldsmiths University of London and the University of Portsmouth. 

They have already spent a week in Miami working with Magic Leap, having talks from technology specialists and exploring mixed reality. This week in Stratford is an opportunity to meet our creatives and develop the creative side of their work. 

The six fellows – in their words

The fellows described where they think the fellowships will take them in discovering the future of digital theatre.

Sharon Clark, a playwright and the Creative Director of immersive theatre company Raucous explains: “It’s about finding a common language for technologists and theatre makers. I am interested in story and how we can take story forward into the 21^st century."

Thomas Buckley, an installation artist working on large scale projection and sculpture wants to give people the chance to “feel like children again” and experience the childlike curiosity, while video games lead artist James Horn is interested in “encountering other people in virtual spaces, so the viewer becomes participant rather than just a static viewer.”

Lou Doye, a producer and former artistic director of the Theatre Royal Portsmouth is hoping to use technology for “pushing boundaries” and Goldsmiths University of London student Zoë O’Shea, whose PhD explores game design and player psychology hopes to use her research to “bring new and exciting experiences to people.”

James Simpson, a specialist in creating 3D visualisations and projection adds: “Theatre is my life. When I look back I want to be able to say I made a thing for the industry – that is really important to me. I want to create something amazing that I will be proud of for the next 30 years of my life.“