The integration of emerging technologies — such as advanced motion capture, extended reality (XR), and intelligent automation — has the potential to revolutionize live performance by enhancing creative expression, technical precision, and collaborative workflows. This thesis argues that by adopting interdisciplinary approaches, traditionally siloed practices in theatre and industrial technology can converge to create innovative storytelling mechanisms and transformative audience experiences. Through the exploration of systems like Building Information Modeling (BIM), motion capture, and interactive media, supported by the University of Calgary's Human-Computer Interaction Lab, the research will establish a framework for advancing live theatrical art, ensuring its relevance and adaptability in an increasingly digital landscape.

The core question driving this research is: How can emerging technologies be seamlessly integrated into live performance to enhance both the creative and technical aspects of production, while fostering new collaborative workflows?

The proposed thesis will explore this through three key pillars:

1. Creative Expression: Investigating how XR, motion capture, and interactive media can push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, allowing for more immersive and participatory audience experiences.

2. Technical Precision: Examining how intelligent automation and BIM systems can improve the accuracy and efficiency of live performance cues, lighting, and scenic transitions.

3. Collaborative Workflows: Analyzing how interdisciplinary collaboration between theatre professionals, engineers, and technologists, including work with the Human-Computer Interaction Lab at the University of Calgary, can lead to new methods of creating and executing live performances.

My practical experiences will inform this research. For instance, at Astound Group, I led projects utilizing BIM tools to visualize client designs in real time, allowing for immediate feedback and design iteration. This process mirrors the potential applications of BIM in live theatre, where set designs and technical elements could be dynamically adjusted during rehearsals, streamlining the creative process.

The research will also draw from my time at CAST Software and Canadian Stage Co., where I witnessed firsthand the integration of motion capture into live productions. By further exploring this intersection, the thesis will propose frameworks for using these technologies to enhance audience engagement and expand the possibilities of theatrical storytelling.

I aim to ground my research in practical case studies, including Rella's Cambrian Dream, which exemplifies how AR and XR technologies can be used to create layered, immersive narratives. Additionally, the thesis will explore potential partnerships with industry professionals such as Red Iron Labs and VizworX, and educational institution resources like the University of Calgary’s Human-Computer Interaction Lab, which houses expertise in motion tracking, interactive media, and user-centered design. These technologies align closely with the thesis’s exploration of integrating real-time data, automation, and immersive media to enhance live theatrical storytelling. Collaborating with the HCI Lab will provide access to cutting-edge tools and methodologies that will support the practical testing and refinement of these frameworks in real-world settings.

Conclusion

In an era where digital & technological innovation is reshaping the entertainment industry, theatre must adapt to remain relevant and impactful. This thesis seeks to bridge the gap between traditional theatre practices and emerging technologies, proposing new ways of creating and experiencing live performance. By drawing on my academic background, professional experiences, and ongoing research interests, I aim to contribute to the evolving landscape of live theatrical art, ensuring it continues to inspire and engage audiences in meaningful ways.

The interdisciplinary approach proposed in this thesis aligns with the University of Calgary’s commitment to innovation and cross-disciplinary research by drawing on resources from both the Drama department and the Computer Science Human-Computer Interaction Lab. This unique collaboration will allow me to explore cutting-edge technologies while grounding my research in performance traditions, fostering new possibilities for live theatrical storytelling. I am excited to join this vibrant academic community and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of live performance.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my research interests and contribute to the University of Calgary’s dynamic environment of artistic and technological exploration.