Technodramatists: XR Alchemy

You're watching a live performance.  Suddenly, one actor becomes twelve.   Animated rain begins falling.  Colorful virtual sparks fly from a saxophonist's instrument. And it's all part of the magic of Technodramatists. Founded in 2018, New York-based Technodramatists is an innovative live-entertainment company.  Their shows incorporate emerging technologies, including AR and motion capture.  Virtual props, characters, effects and costumes can all be included in the experience. These are all live-performance tools which the troupe have designed.  They even have a face-sync technology which allows performers to use their faces to "puppeteer" their avatars! Prior to the pandemic, Technodramatists offered a "Performance Lab" where audience members could see and experience these technologies, as well as the show itself.   But then, the events of 2020 forced the company to adapt to a new format. In February, 2021, Technodramatists performed their highly-successful show, "Alibi", as a live-stream.  Today, says Founder and CEO/Artistic Director Lorne Svarc, they're planning additional performances.  Those include one major new livestreamed project, and several "pop-up" events. Meanwhile, they've also made their technology available for use by fellow creatives.  You can find out more on their website. Lorne shared the story of Technodramatists, offered a look at some of their onstage technology and previewed some upcoming performance events. On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover: Where the magic started, for Lorne; How he first came to incorporate technology into performances; The birth of the Technodramatists troupe; Technodramatists' first AR-enhanced production; A closer look at Technodramatists' original performance technologies; How the company pivoted to take their shows virtual, with the onset of the pandemic; A challenge and a highlight, from the performers' work during this process; How to get updates on upcoming shows and experimental technologies; A preview of some upcoming performance experiences; Lorne's behind-the-scenes look at creating the magic for "Alibi"; How the cast make their interactions with augmented-reality props and scenery go smoothly; What Lorne finds especially magical in his creative work, combining storytelling and cutting-edge technology; A preview of Technodramatists' next big project (this is going to be exciting!).