Telepresence Stage for Disability Performing Arts

'A Telepresence Stage for Disability Performing Arts' works directly with two of the UK's leading disability performing arts companies, the Birds of Paradise Theatre Company in Glasgow and CRIPtic Arts based in London.

The project will applies and utilises the technological advances made during Paul Sermon's previous research in telemetry for performance, 'Collaborative solutions for the performing arts, a telepresence stage' to identify new features, techniques and bespoke solutions specifically for the disability performing arts sector.

The two companies are undertaking the tried and tested Telepresence Stage residency programme lasting four months to develop unique public performance outcomes. Using and adapting the developed tools and techniques, they will access and engage participants and audiences they would not have been able to previously due to geographic or mobility restrictions.

The performance outcomes will include hybrid solutions, combining live staged productions with remote online telepresence participation, as well as international collaborations with disabled performers in Singapore, through the continuing involvement of the International Co-I and leading digital performance specialist Steve Dixon at LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore.

This brings an international dimension to the production's possibilities without the logistic complexities, costs and carbon footprint consequences of travel. Through partnerships with UK Disability History Month and Disability Arts Online the resulting performances will be premiered using their networks and public platforms, reaching over 60 disability organisations and groups across the UK including disability rights activists and policy advisers, as well the disability performing arts sector and the general public.