Media Clown is an ongoing, devised research project that utilizes Augmented Reality and virtual green screen production to break the fourth wall between the physical and digital worlds for a live virtual broadcast. A Beckett-meets-Buster satire of Big Tech,
Media Clown tells the story of an oddball entrepreneur as he tries to raise capital for his idealistic (and potentially catastrophic) invention. Three audience members in Las Vegas and three audience members attending virtually from around the globe will be selected to participate in the live, telepresent performance, which is realized via UnReal Engine, Touch Designer, Zoom, Zoom OSC, Qlab, Lens Studio, and motion capture via Optitrack integration. The broadcast audience at LDI and online will also have the opportunity to interact with the solo performer via a custom web app.
Additionally, LDI audiences present in Las Vegas will be offered an exclusive peek behind-the-scenes with a simultaneous side-by-side view of our virtual greenscreen studio in Iowa City. After the performance, join us for a Q&A with the interdisciplinary team comprised of industry professionals from theatre, visual art, engineering, and computer science based at the University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts.
Media Clown is produced in affiliation with the
University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts and is sponsored by
Epic Mega Grants and the
Obermann Center for Advanced Studies.
