Performance Lab: Innovating Practice-led Research and Development in Immersive and Digital Technologies in Theatre and Performance

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Central) will renew and upgrade its facilities and launch Performance lab, which will act as a catalyst for research and development in Theatre and Performance in immersive and digital technologies. As a small specialist institution, Central is already producing world-leading research in collaboration with industry partners, as demonstrated by our REF2021 (Research Excellence Framework 2021) results in which we were the top-ranking small specialist institution with 75% of our research graded 4*. With the upgrade of our facilities, our aim is to enhance Central's practice-led research and development capabilities in immersive and digital technologies in applied theatre and performance, immersive and participatory practices, sound and audio performance, and digital performer training to increase our visibility and resilience, and, through working with external partners, to support the UK's creative and cultural economy. Our research is currently translated through Knowledge Exchange with external partners across the theatre and performance industry and beyond, including NHS trusts, museums, and heritage organisations. The funding will enable the launch of Performance Lab to support the development of challenge-led research in immersive and digital technologies, which will both consolidate our current research and extends its reach, visibility, and sustainability. The investment will enable Central to upgrade our performance and media facilities, launch Performance Lab, strengthen existing partnerships and generate new links in cultural industries, augment our current Knowledge Exchange capabilities, promote and facilitate the external use of Central's facilities for industry research and development, and provide professional development in the use and commercial exploitation of creative outputs. Research and development (R&D) will generate original creative approaches and new forms of immersive sound and XR for theatre and performance and enable Central to support R&D for external partners. An Advisory Board for Performance Lab comprising Central's researchers, Technical and Media Managers, and industry partners will ensure its work remains relevant in the research landscape and accessible to external partners. The application of immersive and digital methods to theatre and performance research has significant potential for growth in the UK. In order to keep pace with industry advancements, Central will make a major impact in the creative and cultural economy through the upgrade of our current facilities.