Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Stageview: Centre Stage seeks to merge classical arts with the immersive realm of virtual reality (VR), elevating the arts into a more captivating and interactive domain. Picture yourself in a VR world attending a symphony orchestra concert, a theatrical performance, or a mesmerizing dance show. Now, imagine having the power to influence the music and guide the performance as a symphony conductor. The proposed project will investigate approaches to dynamically shape the audio landscape within immersive experiences using hand gestures or controls. Sheridan College's Screen Industries Research and Training Centre (SIRT) is collaborating with Ballinran Entertainment, a prestigious film and TV production studio situated in Stratford, Ontario, on this groundbreaking endeavor poised to transform the world of virtual reality experiences. Stageview: Centre Stage, will explore inventive methods to create immersive gameplay mechanics that harmonize user inputs with audio components, aiming to simulate the role of a conductor. Ballinran's ambition is to unveil how various cutting-edge technologies can amplify Canada's performing arts sector, seamlessly integrating into the immersive applications being developed for Stageview.TV, Canada's premier streaming platform for the performing arts. This endeavor will encompass the following technical pursuits: 1) identifying and incorporating gesture recognition systems, 2) generating dynamic real-time audio manipulation mechanisms, and 3) establishing the performance metrics, capabilities, and constraints of virtual characters observed or controlled by users within VR across multiple platforms. Ballinran's objective is to fuse artistry with technology, making classical arts accessible to fresh audiences and unlocking exciting new prospects within the performing arts sector. The results will redefine how we engage with the performing arts in the digital age, luring audiences, and investments for future VR entertainment innovations.