This workshop is part of the International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling (ICIDS 2024) 2024 program, taking place on December 5th at Universidad del Norte in Barranquilla, Columbia, and it is organised by Mirjam Vosmeer, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (m.s.vosmeer@hva.nl).
Introduction
Over the past decade, social extended reality (XR) has become an intriguing addition to the field of digital interactive narratives. Social XR refers to the integration of immersive technologies, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR), in social contexts. Within this workshop, we will explore the possibilities of XR as a medium for immersive theatrical experiences.
For audiences, social XR may present a novel form of collective entertainment that they are eager to explore. But while XR-producers are quickly mastering the technological aspects, and are step by step gathering insights into the social dynamics in immersive story-environments, they often grapple with the challenge of developing compelling storylines to engage their audience with. In this 3-hour workshop, we will therefore delve deeper into the social XR as a medium for digital interactive storytelling.
The Workshop
The session will start with a keynote presentation by Ari Tarr, who will introduce his work and discuss potential platforms and environments for interactive narratives in social XR. Participants will then form small groups and brainstorm how an existing story can be adapted for social XR experiences. Afterwards, participants will reconvene to share their creative endeavors and discuss their insights.
Planning
15 minutes: Introduction
30 minutes: Keynote presentation (live online or pre-recorded, depending on the availability of the speaker)
15 minutes: Assignment Introduction
75 minutes: Workshop activities in small groups
45 minutes: Exchange of insights and story ideas
Keynote Speaker
Ari Tarr is a renowned immersive actor, director and designer who works as a virtual performance consultant for VR event companies. Tarr co-founded the first startup focused on creating software for VR theater. He has designed immersive experiences for brands such as Google, Electric Daisy Carnival, and Disneyland. He has taught XR event design at NYU, York University, and Brooklyn College and currently serves as a professor of Media Arts at UMT.
Format and Registration
This workshop will be offered in a hybrid format. Registration can be done in advance by emailing m.s.vosmeer@hva.nl. Last minute walk-ins are also welcome, to a maximum of 20 participants.
Goal, Expected Outcome, and Main Takeaway
The goal of this workshop is to engage participants in the creation of interactive digital narratives while providing networking opportunities with like-minded colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Ideally, the outcome may include notes for a paper on this topic, or even an idea for an XR prototype. The main takeaway for participants will be hands-on creative storytelling experience and renewed insights into the possibilities of digital interactive storytelling in immersive environments.