Where We Want to Be

Using the current status of the Blended Shadow Puppet Theatre (BSP) as a solid core prototype, we can expand the project in many different directions within multiple spaces and modalities. Project development has been designed for resilience, so that many potential sub-projects can occur at the same time, and these projects can be determined based on the interest and skill set of the participating researchers.

As such, the following is more a list of potential directions than a sequential set of steps, We encourage potential researchers to consider what type of skill set they wish to learn or enhance, and then to look through the opportunities below to see if anything is of interest. Or if a researcher has a different direction not specifically listed here, we are happy to see how that can be integrated into the larger project!

Potential Future Goals

  • Advanced Puppet Interaction:
    • Develop virtual puppets that can interact in real-time with physical puppets, introducing a new layer of integration between digital and physical elements.
    • Implement front projection techniques to allow for more complex and interactive backgrounds that respond more dynamically to puppet movements.
    • Design and manufacture scenic elements that rely on the same types of puppet anim ation as the characters, 
  • Enhanced Audience Engagement:
    • Introduce interactive elements that allow the audience to influence the course of the narrative or the visual elements of the performance, making each showing a unique experience based on audience input.
    • Develop a portal to access a virtual version of the performance that can be distributed remotely.
  • Increased Realism and Immersion:
    • Utilize augmented reality (AR) to bring the puppet characters and scenes closer to the audience, enhancing the immersive experience without the need for traditional staging constraints.
    • Expand the current physical set to create a more immersive environment for the audience.
  • Collaborative and Educational Expansions:
    • Expand the educational aspect by integrating these performances into a broader curriculum that includes workshops on technology integration in the arts, puppetry, design, and digital storytelling.
    • Collaborate with international artists and technologists to explore other cultural narratives and puppetry styles, promoting global cultural exchange and learning.
  • Technological Innovation:
    • Integrate AI resources more effectively and in more sophisticated ways, paying careful attention to ethical and responsible use.
    • Develop software that allows for easier replication of this type of performance, lowering the barrier to entry for other institutions and artists interested in exploring blended performance art.
    • Give the BSP system “awareness” through realtime capture of visual elements (cameras and microphones), and then use this material to allow deeper realtime interactions between virtual and physical elements.

Expanding BSP into other Modalities

To further extend the concept of Blended Shadow Puppet Theatre beyond puppet performances, consider the following additional narrative opportunities:

Computer Games:

  • Develop interactive games with shadow puppetry aesthetics and storytelling techniques. These games can leverage the unique visual style and narrative depth of shadow puppetry, offering players a novel and immersive gaming experience.

Comic Books/Graphic Novels:

  • Create visually unique comic books or graphic novels inspired by shadow puppet art. This medium can capture the intricate designs and dramatic storytelling of shadow puppetry, reaching new audiences through a familiar format.

Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences:

  • Design AR apps that allow users to interact with shadow puppet characters in their physical environment. This can bring the traditional art form into the modern world, offering an interactive and engaging experience.

Virtual Reality (VR) Performances:

  • Craft immersive VR experiences based on shadow puppetry. Users can explore and interact with a virtual world where shadow puppets tell their stories, providing a deeply immersive experience that transcends traditional theater.

Interactive Websites:

  • Develop websites featuring digital shadow puppet performances. These platforms can offer interactive narratives where users can influence the story or explore different paths, making the experience more engaging.

Educational Tools:

  • Create educational software or apps that teach the art of shadow puppetry. These tools can combine traditional techniques with modern technology, offering a comprehensive learning experience.

Film and Animation:

  • Produce animated films or short films incorporating shadow puppet techniques. This can bring the visual style and storytelling methods of shadow puppetry to a wider audience through a popular medium.

Museum Exhibits:

  • Design interactive museum exhibits showcasing the evolution of shadow puppetry. These exhibits can blend traditional artifacts with digital displays, providing a rich educational experience.

Mobile Apps:

  • Develop mobile apps that allow users to create their own shadow puppet shows. These apps can offer a range of tools and resources for users to design, animate, and share their performances.

Live Performances:

  • Integrate shadow puppetry with live theater or dance performances. This fusion can create a unique and dynamic form of entertainment that combines visual art, storytelling, and live performance.

E-books:

  • Publish interactive e-books with shadow puppet illustrations and animations. These e-books can offer a rich multimedia experience, combining text, visuals, and interactivity.

Online Courses:

  • Offer online courses on digital shadow puppetry. These courses can teach both traditional and modern techniques, reaching a global audience and fostering a new generation of puppeteers.

Workshops:

  • Conduct workshops that teach shadow puppetry using both traditional and digital methods. These workshops can provide hands-on experience and foster a deeper understanding of the art form.

Cultural Festivals:

  • Integrate shadow puppet performances into cultural festivals and events. This can promote the art form to a broader audience and celebrate its cultural significance.

Art Installations:

  • Create art installations that blend shadow puppetry with contemporary digital art. These installations can offer a unique visual experience and push the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Comprehensive Research Project List

Department of Entertainment Technology (ENT)

Advanced Puppet Interaction System

Dynamic Front Projection Techniques for Puppetry

Scenic Element Animation

Interactive Audience Engagement Tools for Shadow Puppetry

AR-Based Immersive Puppetry Environment

Automated Scenic Transitions for Puppetry Performances

Virtual and Physical Puppet Synchronization System

AI-Driven Puppet Movement Control System

Virtual Reality Puppetry Performance System

Dynamic Lighting Design for Shadow Puppetry Performances

Sound Design and Foley Creation for Interactive Puppetry

Projection Mapping and Real-Time Visual Effects Integration

Immersive Soundscapes for Virtual Shadow Puppetry Environments

Interactive Lighting Systems Controlled by Puppet Movements

Modular Prop Design for Shadow Puppetry Performances

Automated Scenery Transitions for Live Puppetry

Symbolic Visual Elements for Interactive Narrative Design

Designing Thematic Spin-off Projects Based on Core Narratives

Gesture-Controlled Projection Systems for Puppetry Performances

Augmented Reality (AR) Props and Scenic Design

Live Puppetry Performances Integrated with Digital Media Broadcasts

Interactive Puppetry Performances with Mobile Audience Input

Creating Hybrid Performances Combining Live and Virtual Audience Experiences

Multi-Camera Live-Streaming of Puppetry Performances for Global Audiences

Development of a Virtual Puppetry Studio for Remote Collaboration

Interactive Multi-Location Puppetry Performances Linked via Real-Time Video

Designing a Mixed Reality Experience for Physical and Digital Audiences

Interactive Streaming Platform for Real-Time Puppetry Storytelling

Augmented Reality Puppetry Game for Mobile Devices

Creating Interactive Puppetry-Based Performances for Gaming Platforms

Department of Emerging Media Technology (MTEC)

Interactive Digital Shadow Puppetry Games

Real-Time Virtual Shadow Puppetry Portal

VR-Based Puppetry World Exploration

Augmented Reality Shadow Puppet Applications

Online Educational Tools for Shadow Puppetry

Mobile Apps for Creating Virtual Shadow Puppet Shows

3D-Printed Modular Puppetry Kits for Customizable Performances

Experimenting with Fabrication Materials for Shadow Puppetry

Moiré Pattern Generating Puppets

Moiré and Transformative Scenery Elements

Exploration of Integration with Virtual World Equivalents

Augmented and Virtual Reality Integration for Puppetry Performances

Development of Mobile Augmented Reality Puppetry Apps

AI-Driven Interactive Puppetry Performances in Virtual Worlds

Designing Multi-Sensory Digital Puppetry Experiences for VR

Real-Time Audience Interaction Through Smart Devices in Puppetry

Development of Collaborative Virtual Puppetry Story Platforms

Augmented Reality Puppetry Stories for Educational Platforms

Interactive Puppetry Storytelling Through Social Media Platforms

Crowd-Sourced Puppetry Narratives for Online Communities

AI-Driven Dynamic Puppetry Worlds with Player Control in Video Games

Developing Puppetry Characters for Interactive Virtual Theme Parks

Department of Computer Systems Technology (CST)

API Integration for Virtual and Physical Systems in Shadow Puppetry

Integration of AI Resources for Enhanced Puppetry Interaction

Software for Easier Replication of Shadow Puppet Performances

AI-Powered Visual and Auditory Response Systems

Real-Time Capture and Feedback System for Puppet Interaction

Backend Systems for Interactive Shadow Puppetry Games

Synchronization Protocols Between Virtual and Physical Worlds

Cloud-Based Real-Time Collaboration for Global Puppetry Performances

Virtual Community Platforms for Puppet Performance Sharing

Blockchain Solutions for Copyright Protection of Digital Puppetry Assets

Creating a Cloud-Hosted Digital Puppetry Archive with Community Access

Developing a Distributed Digital Platform for International Puppetry Collaboration

AI-Driven Real-Time Language Translation for Global Puppetry Performances

Integration of AI-Generated Puppetry Narratives into Live Shows

Cross-Platform Data Synchronization for Digital Puppetry Streaming

Virtual Audience Feedback System with Real-Time Puppetry Performance Adjustment

Data Analytics for Tracking and Enhancing Audience Engagement with Puppetry

Department of Communication Design (COMD)

Content Creation for Shadow Puppetry Games

Virtual Asset Design for Shadow Puppetry and Games

Logo and Branding Design for Shadow Puppetry Projects

Graphic Design for Web Pages and Digital Platforms

Storyboarding and Narrative Design for Shadow Puppetry

Comic Book/Graphic Novel Based on Shadow Puppet Narratives

Interactive Website Design for Digital Shadow Puppet Performances

E-books with Shadow Puppet Illustrations and Animations

Motion Graphics for Interactive Puppetry Games

Graphic Design for Interactive Digital Puppetry-Based Web Platforms

Interactive Digital Marketing Campaigns Using Puppetry Characters

Developing Virtual Reality Branding Experiences for Puppetry Shows

Creating Digital Comics and Webcomics Based on Puppetry Narratives

Augmented Reality Print Campaigns with Puppetry Elements

Design of Mobile User Interfaces for Puppetry-Driven Mobile Apps

Creating Digital Puppetry Characters for Social Media Storytelling

Designing Puppetry-Based NFTs for Digital Collectibles Markets

Interactive Storyboards for Puppetry-Based Educational Platforms

Developing Web Series and Short Films Based on Puppetry Narratives

Department of Marketing (MKT)

Marketing Campaign for Virtual and Physical Shadow Puppetry Performances

Audience Engagement Strategy for Interactive Puppetry Events

Merchandise Development for Shadow Puppetry Spin-offs

Global Marketing Campaigns for Interactive Digital Puppetry

Creating Crowdfunding Campaigns for Large-Scale Puppetry Performances

Cross-Platform Promotion Strategy for Puppetry-Based Interactive Media

Social Media Marketing Strategies for Augmented Reality Puppetry

Marketing Campaigns Targeting Younger Audiences Through Puppetry Apps

Influencer-Based Marketing for Interactive Puppetry Games and Experiences

Promotional Campaigns for Global Digital Puppetry Collaborations

Brand Partnerships Using Puppetry Characters for Digital Ads

Interactive Marketing Experiences Using Puppetry-Based Games

Leveraging Puppetry Narratives for Cause-Based Marketing Campaigns

Department of English (ENG)

Narrative Writing for Interactive Shadow Puppetry Games

Cultural Research on Global Puppetry Traditions

Technical Writing for Shadow Puppetry Documentation

Scriptwriting and Dialogue Development for Interactive Games

Research on the Intersection of Traditional and Modern Storytelling Techniques

Development of Scripted Narratives for AR/VR Puppetry

Research on Symbolism in Shadow Puppetry Across Cultures

Writing Multilingual Puppetry Narratives for Digital Story Platforms

Creating Interactive Fiction Using Puppetry Characters for Digital Books

Exploring Puppetry as a Narrative Device in Contemporary Fiction

Developing Collaborative Writing Projects Using AI Puppetry Characters

Creating Interactive E-books with Puppetry Themes for Young Readers

Documenting Global Puppetry Traditions for Digital Storytelling Platforms

Research on the Evolution of Puppetry in Modern Media and Gaming

Creating Non-Linear Puppetry-Based Narratives for Virtual Experiences

Writing Interactive Puppetry Stories for Cross-Cultural Education

Digital Narrative Analysis of Puppetry Themes Across Global Cultures

Department of Fashion Business and Technology (FBT)

Textile Integration for Augmented and Virtual Reality Experiences

Design of Fabric-Based Scenic Elements for Puppetry Performances

Tensile Fabric Integration with Modular Armatures

Experimentation with Light and Shadow Interactions on Various Textiles

Innovative Uses of Cloth in Interactive Shadow Puppetry

Designing Wearable Puppetry Costumes for Mixed Reality Performances

Integrating Smart Textiles in Puppetry Performances for Real-Time Visual Changes

Creating Augmented Reality Fashion Experiences Based on Puppetry Themes

Developing Puppetry-Inspired Wearable Art for Theatrical Performances

Designing Fashion Collections Based on Global Puppetry Traditions

Creating Puppetry-Based Accessories for Augmented Reality Platforms

Smart Fabric Integration for Puppetry in Interactive Public Performances

Projection-Mapped Fashion Shows Inspired by Puppetry Narratives

Designing Interactive Fashion Installations with Puppetry Motifs

Developing Wearable Technology for Puppetry-Inspired Fashion Exhibits

Department of Architectural Technology (ARCH)

Modular Armature Design and Construction

Design of Immersive Puppetry Stage Architecture

Modular Stage Design for Enhanced Audience Immersion

Modular Scenic Transitions with Laser-Cut Backdrops

Design of Large-Scale Set Pieces for Performances

Integration of Traditional Architectural Elements into Shadow Puppet Staging

Designing Outdoor Performance Spaces for Puppetry-Based Festivals

Creating Modular Pop-Up Stages for Puppetry Performances in Public Spaces

Designing Immersive Digital-Physical Performance Spaces for Puppetry

Developing Temporary Architectural Installations for Puppetry Shows

Curating Large-Scale Urban Art Installations Featuring Digital Puppetry

Designing Interactive Public Spaces for Real-Time Puppetry Performances

Architectural Planning for Global Puppetry Cultural Exchange Spaces

Integration of Virtual Reality Performance Spaces for Puppetry

Creating Dynamic Performance Stages for Mixed Reality Shows

Sustainable Design of Mobile Theaters for International Puppetry Shows

Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology (MECH)

Design and Development of Standardized Articulated Joints

3D-Printed Shadow Puppet Joints and Mechanisms

Robotic Armature for Puppet Automation

Customizable 3D-Printed Gears for Shadow Puppet Movement

CNC-Fabricated Shadow Puppet Components for Large-Scale Performances

Physical Adapters for System Integration

Testing and Evaluation of Set Stability and Durability

Developing Large-Scale Articulated Puppetry for Public Performances

Engineering Modular Puppetry Set Pieces with Hydraulic Motion Systems

Designing Robotics for Precision-Controlled Puppetry Movements

Creating Large-Scale Kinetic Sculptures Based on Puppetry Mechanics

Developing AI-Powered Mechanical Puppets for Automated Performances

Design of Modular Mechanical Puppets for Multi-Layered Performances

Innovating New Mechanical Joints for Complex Puppetry Movements

Creating Pneumatic Systems for Large-Scale Interactive Puppetry

Developing Advanced Control Mechanisms for Dynamic Puppetry Sets

Engineering Interactive Puppetry Robots for Public Events

Music Technology Program

Blending Physical and Virtual Instruments for Puppetry Performances

Soundtrack Composition for Shadow Puppetry Games and Performances

Interactive Music Systems for Puppetry Performances

Music Technology for Synchronizing Sound with Puppet Movements

Immersive Audio Systems for Augmented Reality Puppetry

Designing Interactive Audio Systems for Puppetry-Based Concerts

Composing Adaptive Soundtracks for Real-Time Puppetry Performances

Developing AI-Composed Music for Digital Puppetry Experiences

Creating Immersive 3D Audio for Puppetry Performances in VR

Collaborating on Mixed Reality Music and Puppetry Performances

Interactive Music Compositions That Respond to Puppetry Movements

Designing Real-Time Soundscapes for Interactive Public Puppetry Shows

Creating Music-Driven Puppetry Performances for Online Streaming Platforms

Integrating Foley Sound Effects into Puppetry Narratives for Live Shows

Designing Music Technology for Puppetry-Based Educational Performances

Department of Humanities (HUM)

Research on Global Cultural Narratives in Shadow Puppetry

Comparative Analysis of Cultural Storytelling in Digital Puppetry

Exploring Traditional African and Asian Puppetry in the Context of Modern Digital Performance

Study of Symbolism and Metaphor in Shadow Puppetry Across Cultures

Development of Educational Curricula for Shadow Puppetry Traditions and Technologies

Workshops on Integrating Digital Storytelling with Traditional Puppetry

Research on Cross-Cultural Influences in Puppetry Techniques and Technologies   Exploring the Role of Puppetry in Global Storytelling Traditions

Research on Puppetry as a Form of Political and Social Commentary

Cross-Cultural Puppetry Workshops for Global Storytelling Initiatives

Exploring Puppetry’s Impact on Children’s Education in Global Cultures

Documenting the Intersection of Puppetry and Ritual in Cultural Traditions

Research on Puppetry’s Role in Preserving Indigenous Narratives

Studying the Use of Puppetry in Religious and Ceremonial Practices

Researching Puppetry’s Function in Peacebuilding and Cultural Exchange

Developing Cross-Cultural Puppetry Storytelling Workshops for Conflict Resolution

Exploring Puppetry’s Role in Contemporary Media and Communication Theories

Department of Social Sciences (SOC)

Audience Research on Engagement with Digital and Physical Puppetry

Sociological Analysis of Puppetry’s Cultural Impact

Ethical Considerations in Representing Cultural Narratives in Virtual Worlds

Research on Community Engagement Through Traditional and Digital Puppetry