Mixed Reality and Machine Learning for Theatre Audience Experiences

Applications are invited for an interdisciplinary PhD studentship for the project “Mixed Reality and Machine Learning for Theatre Audience Experiences”, effective 1^st of October 2022. Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend of £18.062 plus payment of their full time HOME tuition fees for a period of 36 months. 

The successful applicants will join the internationally recognised researchers in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, the Brunel Design School and the Games Design team at Brunel University London (BUL).

Project Description:

The use of Mixed Reality technologies (MR) is increasingly transforming creative practices and audience engagement approaches in Theatre. At the same time, significant developments in the application of Machine Learning in content production open new design opportunities for participatory theatrical experiences.  

This practice-based doctoral research will focus on the combination of ML and MR as tools to enrich and augment theatrical performances, remote or in location, in ways that open new perspectives in theatre making and audience engagement.This will include AI-driven narrative and AI-driven actors/instruments, feasibility studies of using MR technologies in participatory theatre, accessibility frameworks, a combination of ML and IoT, etc.”

The successful candidate will work across the Computer Science and Games Design departments, with support for practical work from Theatre, and supervised by an interdisciplinary team of experts in Machine Learning, Digital Design, Games and Experience Design. 

Please contact the principal supervisor Professor Abdul Hamid Sadka at [Email Address Removed]

Dr Damon Daylamani-Zad from the Design School at [Email Address Removed]

Dr Mariza Dima from Games Design (Department of Arts and Humanities) at [Email Address Removed]

for an informal discussion about the project.

Eligibility

The prospective candidates are expected to have received (or be about to finish) a first or upper-second class Honour’s degree or a Master’s level education in either Computer Science, Engineering, Multimedia Design, Theatre and Digital Arts, or related areas, with demonstrated overview in the field. Candidates are expected to have good knowledge of programming and a good understanding/work experience with MR technologies. Previous experience with AI and ML is desirable. Good knowledge of English language is also expected.   

Experience in digital media design, use of multimedia technologies and handling of relevant software packages and digital design tools, will be an advantage. In addition, applicants should be highly motivated, able to work independently as well as in a multidisciplinary team, collaborate with others and have effective communication and technical reporting skills.

How to Apply

Please e-mail all the documents listed below as a single PDF file  to [Email Address Removed] by Noon on 01.07.2022:

·      Your up-to-date CV;

·      Your personal statement (300 to 500 words) summarising your background, skills and experience;

·      Your Undergraduate/Postgraduate Masters degree certificate(s) and transcript(s);

·      Evidence of your English language skills to IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent, 6.0 in all sections), if appropriate;

·      Contact details for TWO referees, one of which can be an academic member of staff in the College.

Remember to state the title of the project at the top of your personal statement.