StoryHackXR

After a three year interruption, #TOMtech's acclaimed StoryHackXR podcast returns for a second season, to explore the common ground where theatre and storytelling meet immersive technology such as virtual and augmented realities. The first episode of series two features a conversation with artist and storyteller Thomas Buckley, who uses innovative experiential storytelling to develop and enhance human connection. Hosts: Helen Jewell & CJ Thorpe-Tracey Produced by: CJ Thorpe-Tracey / Lo Fi Arts Original music by: mærcstapa Find out more at www.theoldmarket.com

Recovering theatre company fanSHEN let us into their rehearsal room to talk about two projects - The Justice Syndicate (interactive jury based game) and Looking for Love (an AI powered story played out on a dating app). FanSHEN are Dan Barnard, Rachel Briscoe (@fanshenxtheatre) and computational artist, Joe McAllister (@portablestorm).

Welcome to #6. James interviews Myra Appannah, writer of large-scale London immersive piece Somnai, to discuss writing narrative and developing characters for immersive theatre. Away from art-making, Chris talks to Hatsumi VR's Sarah Ticho about innovative XR applications in the field of mental health diagnosis.

Welcome to #5. Chris interviews Helen Jewell, curator of the programme at our very own The Old Market to unpick why arts venues should be exploring immersive tech as a new strand of programming. Find out more about the venue at theoldmarket.com. Join the discussion on socials - #storyhackxr @Tomtech_ www.tomtechblog.com

This week Chris spent sometime in a dressing room at Sadler's Wells with Esteban and Aoi. We hosted the impressive WHIST back in 2017 and got a sneak peek of 0AR during our 2018 #vrLAB. Find out more about thier work at http://www.aoiesteban.com.

Sam Watts was named the 12th most influential voice in #VR last year - and for good reason. His extensive career and open attitude to collaboration has positioned him as a leading voice in the sector. Sam is a critical friend to TOMtech, working in partnership to deliver events, training and developing new products together. Sam Watts is Director of Immersive Technologies at Make Real. Make Real are an award-winning Brighton-based studio recognised as UK leaders of immersive content creation. Operating for over a decade across the main strands of training, learning/development and entertainment, Make Real brings simulation and AAA gaming industry veterans together, forming a highly experienced team simplifying complex technologies for everyday users. Follow Sam @VR_Sam @MakeRealUK or find out more about Make Real's work at www.makereal.co.uk

How do you transpose live theatre into a digital product? York-based Pilot Theatre share their process and discovery of translating Traitor from site specific show to virtual reality experience. Find out more about the project and track its progress to launch here: https://goo.gl/FmdTzX You can follow Lucy on Twitter @lucy_Hammo @Pilot_Theatre

Brighton is at its best during the summer - join us with the wonderful Annette Mees, head of Audience Labs at the Royal Opera House where we talked about why arts organisations are waking up to the power of immersive tech and how she is approaching that from one of the world's best known Opera Houses. Follow Annette on Twitter: @annettemees