Coventry University collects winner accolade in Guardian University Awards

Coventry University Group has been recognised in the Guardian University Awards 2020 for an innovative international theatre project.

An expert panel of judges from across the UK’s higher education sector crowned Coventry University’s Telepresence in Theatre project winner of the Internationalisation category. The Telepresence project allows students in two different countries to appear as if they are sharing the same rehearsal room.

As part of the Telepresence project, BA Theatre and Professional Practice staff at Coventry collaborated with Tampere University in Finland to create a unique ‘immersive space’ in order to explore theatre rehearsal and arts education. This space, created in both cities, uses cutting-edge technology, life-sized projection, high-speed internet connections and directional sound, giving the participants the illusion of occupying the same rehearsal room.

Highlights of the project have been a unique ‘telepresence banquet’ and performance and a ground-breaking performance at the New World Symphony Centre, Miami, using a blend of live actors working in the USA in real time with motion-captured actors and musicians in Tampere, Finland.

Dr Tom Gorman, Assistant Professor, School of Media and Performing Arts, co-ordinated the project at Coventry University and says it highlights the importance of global collaboration in a year that has seen the COVID-19 pandemic rock the arts world.