Mandy Kean’s Post

This #NYTimes article gives a sneak peak into Emursive Productions latest creation "Life and Trust." I was disappointed that the show was not open while I was in town for the WXO - World Experience Organization World Experience Summit (#WXS), but this article helps give insights into the new immersive theater #experience opening on August 1. It has some similarities to one of Emursive's other well-known productions "Sleep No More" in that it takes place across many levels in a #Manhattan high-rise, and is a modern #theatrical remake of a #Shakespearean plot. Here are a few key takeaways from the article that could inform the design of other immersive theater shows. Point #1 - The original #script was initially very text-heavy, but they removed most of it for movement-based work. I can not emphasize enough how important this is. In a choose-your-own-adventure free-roam #immersive theatrical production, you cannot expect everyone to be able to hear the dialogue nor to stand in one place long enough for monologue after #monologue after monologue. It's easy for a #writer to fall in love with their words, but just like a picture is worth a thousand words, so is #acting and storytelling that is effective at a distance or in distracting environments. Keep it simple. Recognize that everyone is not hanging on to your every word. This is even more important the bigger or more complex the production. Point #2 - To fill a night with the #story, and give guests a chance to catch new perspectives, they created 30 characters in 250 overlapping scenes that repeated twice a night. Each scene had to work independently - "like an advent calendar" describes the #director. Here is another imperative lesson in free-roam and choose-your-own-adventure #storytelling. Each segment or module must be its own mini-story within the bigger context. You cannot assume that the #audience caught a major plot twist in the last room the actors were in. Some may have followed, but others may join from a different thread altogether. Do your audience a favor and find a clever way to recap any major information or #plot twists that led to this scene. That way the audience can catch up and make sense of what they are seeing. Point #3 - Time-based sound cues were used to mark scene changes and scenes were padded with enough time for #actor movement and #transitions through a crowded theater. These cues are likely presented in a way that the audience would believe is part of the storyline and effects. These sounds are like a massive metronome to the #performers and #production crew, but don't have to be disruptive. It's great the actors can initiate the flow and movement, hopefully through compelling action or by directly addressing the audience, as nothing breaks the 4th wall more than having a docent or non-actor start directing traffic to try to get a crowd moving into another location.

From interactive performances to repurposed venues that engage communities, immersive design is making art more inclusive and accessible. Gensler’s Ryan Ihly and Ann Morrow Johnson, AIA explore how flexible, tech-driven spaces are reshaping the theater experience. Read more about how these innovations are transforming the world of performing arts. https://bit.ly/4gdXUHN #ImmersiveTheater #PerformingArts #TheaterDesign #GenslerInsights

A drastic transformation. Event spaces, home cinemas, and even your bedroom would be unrecognizable with a beautiful lighting addition like this! #Electrician #HomeRenovation #TorontoConstruction Check out more of what we do at smbelectrical.ca #CommercialElectrician #TorontoConstruction

Architectural lighting is not just about what you illuminate, it's also about what you obscure. Drawing focus using lighting is an old trick in theatre and is a lesson that can be applied to architectural lighting as well. Check out my article, "Seen Versus Unseen" in the latest (all digital!) edition of the AIA Dallas magazine, Columns. https://lnkd.in/g2R_HtJM

Thank you to New York Real Estate Journal for inviting my partner Lena Dau-Ping Fan to share her thoughts for your annual Year in Review. In response to "What emerging trends will drive investment and development in 2025?" Lena offers,   "We anticipate continued investment from commercial theatrical producers, theater owners, and operators to re-imagine, re-adapt, and renovate the interiors of historic theaters and where possible, expand into new built spaces." #2025outlook #performingarts #Broadway #architecture #commercialrealestate https://lnkd.in/ep9AsRUh

Behind the scenes at Scenic Studios: From raw materials to stunning pieces. Watch our production process in action! - - - #ExperienciasVisuales #EscenografíaPersonalizada #TematizaciónCreativa #DecoraciónTemática #AmbientesInmersivos #ProyectosEscenográficos #DiseñoTemático #EscenografíasImpactante

Designing a theatre is more than creating a space—it’s crafting an experience. Whether it’s performer-audience connection, theatrical lighting, rigging, or sightlines, success lies in proactive collaboration. Architects, owners, consultants, and artists must come together with clear communication and shared vision. From aligning designs with artistic intent to navigating structural challenges, collaboration transforms vision into reality. Collaboration isn’t just a phase in the process; it’s the foundation of exceptional theatre design. #TheatreDesign #ArchitectureMatters #CollaborativeDesign #PerformanceSpaces

"Transform your living space into a cinematic experience—stream your favorite films effortlessly, set the perfect lighting mood, and immerse yourself in unmatched sound quality, all with a single touch. Welcome to the future of smart living. 🎥💡🎶 DM us for more know #SmartHomeMagic #CinematicExperience #UnmatchedSound #PerfectAmbience #HomeAutomation #NextGenLiving #SmartTechnology #LuxuryLiving"

"Illuminating the stage with creativity! At Kalamanch, our skilled team of lighting designers craft mesmerizing visual experiences for our productions. From conceptualization to execution, we carefully balance light and shadow to evoke emotions, set the tone, and transport audiences to new worlds. #LightingDesign #TheatreLighting #Kalamanch #TheatreCraft #StageLighting #PerformingArts #TheatreMagic"

While I hope to learn more about all the temporary facilities built for the Paris games, I was struck by this quote from Adriana Figueiredo, one of the Architectural Managers, which is as true for permanent venues as it is for temporary event specific venues. "I think integrated design is key for the success of an event project. We need all areas - food and beverage, sports, logistics, spectator’s services - to be in constant dialogue, both to understand each other’s needs and constraints, and to balance the priorities of design." https://lnkd.in/gdNtxJtD