Designing for character performance is an important step in the process of creating engaging VR experiences with expressive and relatable characters. Strong character performance generates accurate, descriptive motion – which is known to increase believability, and in turn, immersion for the VR participant.

My research involves discovering approaches to directing performers for motion capture in VR to improve expressive character performance within virtual reality. The practice-based research methods enable me to analyze the parts of the front end of the VR production process and define a group of VR performance qualities. This framework of qualities can then be used to help guide the construction and capture of movement for creating meaningful, immersive and interactive experiences with virtual characters.

For my thesis project, I co-created with MFA candidate Abigail Ayers, a 10-minute immersive experience based on historic accounts of Ruby Bridges’ first day of school at William Frantz Elementary School.