Artists and researchers alike are engaging with the possibilities and limitations of Extended Reality (XR) in the theatre. This exploration takes place on stages and in laboratories, on screens and in conversations—it involves both rehearsing and coding. It is as much an artistic-practical endeavor as it is a conceptual-theoretical one, requiring a strong interplay and interconnection between these two dimensions.

At the heart of the symposium is an interdisciplinary exchange between professionals from theatre, technology, art, and academia. In three expert panels, they will share their knowledge, experiences, and questions. The discussions will range from the aesthetic potential of extended realities to the practical challenges and solutions involved in integrating XR technologies into theatre production, ultimately outlining future perspectives for a “Theatre of Extended Realities.”

Program for the Day: Entry begins at 11:30 AM!

12:00–1:30 PM Panel 1: Artistic Perspectives – “XR Technologies Between Possibility and Isolation” Moderator: Sarah Buser | Panelists: Nils Corte (Extended Reality Theater Nuremberg), Nora Krahl (MIRlab), Charlotte Triebus (MIREVI / Theatre of Extended Realities)

In this panel, artists from various disciplines will discuss the aesthetic potentials and challenges of extended realities. What new forms of expression arise through XR? How does the artistic process evolve? And how can these changes be conceptually reflected and articulated? The focus will be on the merging of traditional artistic practices with digital technologies and the development of hybrid aesthetics between physical and virtual presence.

2:00–3:30 PM Panel 2: Techno-Practical Perspectives – “XR in Theatre: From Vision to Implementation” Moderator: Klaas Werner | Panelists: Nils Gallist (University of Applied Sciences Hagenberg), Jens Heitjohann (Theater im Depot), Rabea Kiel ("Virtual Blackbox"), Benjamin Seuffert (State Theatre Augsburg)

This techno-practical panel will shed light on the practical challenges and solution strategies involved in integrating XR technologies into theatre operations. Institutions, artists, and developers will share their project experiences and discuss technical innovations and their implementation in the live context of theatre.

4:00–5:30 PM Panel 3: Final Discussion – “Digital Technologies: Expansion, End, or New Beginning?” Moderator: Dr. Jonathan Harth | Panelists: Marcus Lobbes (Academy for Theatre and Digitality), Tina Lorenz (Hertzlabs), Dr. Michael Reitemeyer (Ministry of Culture and Science), Kay Voges (designated director, Schauspiel Köln)

To close the symposium, representatives from the fields of art, technology, theatre, and science will come together to discuss the future of a “Theatre of Extended Realities.” What lasting changes are XR technologies bringing to the theatre landscape? How can artistic vision, technological innovation, and theatrical tradition come together? What kind of support and funding structures are needed? How is XR changing the relationship between stage and audience? What stands to be gained—and what might be lost?

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