Welcome
The Master is gone. For info, click here.
First Look At the VTL's production of Dinosaurus! This is an actual scene from the live stage show and has not been processed or re-touched in any way! Click photo for larger image. The audience will wear 3D glasses to view the show and feature live actors interacting with animated 3D dinosaurs. Watch for further announcements.
Welcome to the HFCC Theatre Virtual Theatricality Lab
Dr. George Popovich, Founder and Director
Christopher Dozier, Digital Designer, Artist, and Animator
Alan Contino, Chief Engineer
Gary Glaser, Instructor
Dan Lemieux, Motion Capture Acting
Edwin Bawal, Motion Capture Technician
Mike Cochran, Administrative Assistant
The following VTL classes are offered Spring 2013:*
VTL 264 Advanced Motion Capture Application: The final class in the Motion Capture Certificate Sequence.
VTL 267 Stereoscopic Cinematography for Stage and Screen: Learn 3D stereo techniques and project them on our 35' wide 3D screen!
The following VTL classes are offered Summer 2013:*
VTL 235 Demo Reel: Assemble your personal video and/or VTL projects into a professional presentation and land a job!
VTL-266: Green Screen Visual Effects for Stage and Screen: Learn compositing like the pros from the pros!
The following VTL classes are offered Fall 2013*:
ART 209 Maya** An introduction to digital imaging.
VTL 235 Science Fiction and Horror Films** A survey of visually fantastic films.
VTL 266 Greenscreen Visual Effects for Stage and Screen: Learn compositing like the pros from the pros!
VTL 267 Stereoscopic Cinematography for Stage and Screen: Learn 3D stereo techniques and project them on our 35' wide 3D screen!
THEA 235 Demo Reel: Assemble your personal video and/or VTL projects into a professional presentation and land a job!
* Consult appropriate schedules for days and times.
**Required for the Motion Capture Certificate. Students wishing to pursue the Motion Capture Certificate should begin work Fall, 2013 by taking Art 209 and VTL 235.
About the VTL:
Virtual Theatricality integrates traditional stagecraft with virtual characters, scenery and props for live theater production. Henry Ford Community College’s Virtual Theatricality Lab is a dynamic, risk-taking institute that combines artistic and technological disciplines in a pace-setting program that redefines the nature of live theatrical performance. The Virtual Theatricality Lab has established itself as a cutting-edge leader with the development of a revitalizing curriculum that unites the disciplines of computer science, art, music, theater, dance, film, and video. The VTL is dedicated to forging the live performance technologies of the 21st century and beyond.
In 1994 virtual reality and 3D stereo were utilized as multimedia teaching aids in HFCC Theater Arts classes. After experimenting with processes and techniques for approximately four years, the Virtual Theatricality Lab began production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The Tempest (2003) used 3D stereoscopic projection and real-time VR navigated scenery to give new life and meaning to Shakespeare’s classic and make it accessible to a new generation of theater-goers. The Tempest was a regional winner in The Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival. The Tempest was featured in many Michigan newspapers and on the Associated Press, including a 4 page feature article in the Detroit Free Press’ Sunday Entertainment Section.
The Skriker (2006) was the first full length theatrical production of a stage play to successfully combine real-time motion capture and 3D stereoscopic projection. The Skriker was featured in many Michigan newspapers and on the Associated Press, including articles in state and national entertainment magazines. Following the VTL's trend-setting lead, several major Michigan Universities attempted theatrical productions using Motion Capture and 3D stereo.
In January, 2009, a Motion Capture Certificate was developed and the first courses were offered to students, spring semester, 2009. During 2009 and 2010, VTL classes filled to capacity and the first Motion Capture Systems Certificate students graduated. As the film industry moved into Michigan, the VTL became a central hub for Motion Capture Animation activities. The VTL formed a relationship with the Screen Actors Guild and offered workshops and training to SAG members and Cadets. Major universities, such as the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor sent its faculty and staff to the VTL for training. Additionally, the VTL began artistic collaborations with other HFCC artistic areas, such as the HFCC Full Circle Dance Company.
After several years of research and development, production on the VTL's next show, Dinosaurus! began in 2013.
Questions? Email or call: Dr. George Popovich, Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn, MI. popovich@hfcc.net; 313-845-6478.
