Welcome
Welcome to the HFCC Theater Virtual Theatricality Lab
Dr. George Popovich, Founder and Director
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 Fall, 2012: (Consult HFCC Fall Class Schedule for Details)
THEA 235 Film Acting TR 11:10-1230
STH 267 Stereoscopic Cinematography for Stage and Screen MW 12:40-2:00
STH 262 Beginning Motion Capture MW 2:10-3:30
STH 262 Beginning Motion Capture M 7:25-10:05
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.
Questions? Email or call: Dr. George Popovich, Henry Ford Community College, Dearborn, MI. popovich@hfcc.net; 313-845-6478.
