The ‘Making a Scene’ project – a collaboration between the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, Bristol Old Vic, and Zubr Curio – was shortlisted for a Museum and Heritage Award in the ‘Best Use of Digital’ category, narrowly missing out at the ceremony held in London this week.
The project – a joint effort between the University of Bristol Theatre Collection, Bristol Old Vic, and Zubr Curio – was shortlisted in the 'Best Use of Digital' category at the Museum and Heritage Awards, narrowly missing out at the ceremony, held in London.
‘Making a Scene’ is an educational workshop in a box, which can be loaned out for use in educational settings. Leveraging material from the Bristol Old Vic archive of the 2000 production of the Babes in the Wood pantomime (including sketches, designs, and photographs), the workshop allows students to delve into the art of theatre production.
Due to the fragility of the original set model pieces, which cannot be physically handled, the team has created digital 3D versions and employed augmented reality to bring them to life. By scanning the designs with an iPad, users are greeted with mesmerising 3D visuals, showcasing how the production would have appeared on stage.
The workshop offers a range of engaging activities tailored to different age groups and interests, accommodating diverse learning styles and preferences. Users can refer to the original script, following the stage manager's handwritten directions, or design scenes for imaginary productions.
Julian Warren, Head of Theatre Collection at the University of Bristol, said: We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award, alongside some fantastic projects.
“We are delighted to see how engaging these workshops are proving to be. Using augmented reality, participants can move characters around a stage, set up scene changes and cue lighting and special effects to re-create a scene from the pantomime following the directions of the stage manager’s prompt script. It really puts the background work of theatre production centre stage.”
Amy Stewart, Zubr Curio Project Manager, said: “We’re exceptionally proud of this collaboration, and to have been nominated alongside such brilliant projects.
“With all eyes focused on the action on stage, it’s easy to forget the skilled behind-the-scenes teams that bring a production to life.
“The loan boxes provide an unprecedented means of exploring technical and design roles in theatre, the extensive archive material offering young people a deep dive into the practical considerations necessary in creating a production.
“The workshops become an original and accessible way to highlight and celebrate offstage theatre roles, and to encourage young people with limited theatre experiences to investigate possible career paths.”
Lucy Hunt, Engagement Director at Bristol Old Vic, added: “With Covid restrictions in place during much of 2021, young people were unable to connect with museums and theatre.
“This became our spur to design an opportunity for playful and creative explorations of behind-the-scenes theatre activities that could take place anywhere, outside of our institutions, and which might also lead to participants considering off-stage careers in theatre.”
The awards ceremony was held in London on the evening of the 10 May and was presented by comedian, podcaster and history presenter Iszi Lawrence.
You can see a short video of the workshop in action here.