DIGITAL SCENOGRAPHY

A conference to be held at the University of Kent, exploring the use of computer visualisation and virtual reality in the process of designing for performance, and in the performance event itself.

Friday June 30th 2000 - Saturday July 1st

This conference will address the following questions:

Is the computer an aid to liberating scenographic creativity, an efficient device to assist the production process, or an alienating frustration?

In what way is the design for a production developed with the aid of a computer different from one developed with conventional approaches?

How can digital and virtual worlds in the rehearsal room help directors and actors?

Does the use of virtual reality environments, projected in the performance itself, challenge the conventional role of design?

Is this a scenography for the 21st century, or an interesting diversion?

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We are delighted that Colin Beardon (Research Professor in Art and Design, School of Arts and Design, University of Plymouth) and Mark Reaney (Director of the Institute for the Exploration of virtual Realities, University of Kansas, and currently Leverhulme Research Fellow at the University of Kent) have agreed to present papers on topics central to the debate. Steve Dixon (School of Media, Music and Performance, University of Salford) will introduce the work of Digital Performance Archive.

The conference will coincide with a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, integrating live actors with projected VR worlds, staged by the Drama Department and overseen by Mark Reaney.

We welcome offers for the presentation of either:

� Conference papers of approximately 20 - 30 minutes duration on the subject of computer visualisation in design development, or the use of computer and VR imagery on stage;

� Exhibition material in the form of graphic, computer or video presentations.

Submissions for a paper should be made in the form of an abstract of 500 words, and submissions of material to be exhibited should include a brief description of the project and a description of the nature of the material (video, computer presentation, photographs). Please indicate if you would like to introduce your exhibition material. Submissions should reach us by April 7th.

For further details, submission of abstracts or exhibition material and registration information please contact Gavin Carver at the Department of Drama, Eliot College, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NS, Email: [email protected] or fax (01227) 827464