The launch of a first of its kind extended reality (XR) stage in a UK Drama School.

Drawing on its pioneering research and development in XR and experience in global deployment of its multi-award winning SmartStage® product range, WL conducted workshops throughout the system design process. This resulted in a value-engineered solution, that harnessed the potential of this technology, while satisfying the College’s bespoke needs and budget parameters. In an evolution from White Light’s SmartStage product, a solution was provided that could be reconfigured for both XR and ICVFX work. The space also needed to be reconfigurable for Drama Teaching and motion capture work. Working with the manufacturers to produce custom firmware, we expanded the universities Optitrack system with additional cameras and processing to add sub mm accurate object tracking and lighting tracking through Blacktrax using the same cameras. A Mosys system was used for camera tracking to obtain the accuracy needed for XR set extensions and all three tracking systems were integrated into the data network to be available to Unreal engine and Disguise. In order to achieve this goal, we designed a mobile control and teaching workstation which connected to the fibre infrastructure installed in the studio via grid mounted facilities panels. This desk houses motion capture peripherals, KVM workstations with access to Unreal engine and media severs and can host the universities lighting and sound consoles as required with all required cabling integrated. In addition to the mobile control workstation, we created a flypack media server rack connected to the main facility via an umbilical. This meant the Media severs could be taken off site to be used for projection mapping and stage performance projects maximising the return on investment for the facility. The Rose Bruford XR stage has a broad application for technical arts and design students, training actors to perform on mixed reality stages and for professional training purposes. The AOTO RM Series product was chosen as the premium LED solution that could be flexible and easily maintainable in an educational environment. Partnered with the ROE Visual Black Marble series, disguise Media Servers, BlackTrax person and object tracking technology, Adder XDIP KVM’s and a WL bespoke truss base solution, this combination provided a professional and accessible SmartStage solution for students to understand and learn the capabilities of the XR/VP and MR in a simulated production environment. Delivering the multi-functional education space demanded increased flexibility and functionality within the design. Utilising information gathered during client technical workshops, the College required elements of the kit to be flexible and mobile for team to operate and use outside the Gallery space.