flagship course
Holographic and Immersive Theatre
Plan an immersive or holographic show: concept, stage tech, safety, rights, budget and audience care.
about this course
What you will be able to do
- Understand Explain holographic effects and immersive formats.
- Apply Plan staging, lighting and projection.
- Analyse Compute budget and capacity.
- Evaluate Judge safety and access.
- Create Write a production plan.
Task, condition and standard
Task
Produce a production plan for a short immersive or hologram-style show, with concept, tech list, safety plan, access plan, budget and run sheet.
Condition
A computer, a spreadsheet, a venue plan, two peers and a mentor. No live public show is run by learners.
Standard
Effects are described accurately (illusion methods named); safety and fire plans approved; access plan included; budget totals correct; peers rate Meets or better.
Who it is for: Stage managers, event planners, students, museum staff. Requirements: none. Materials: lesson text, worked examples, templates, rubric, quiz, tracker.
lesson by lesson
8 modules with worked examples
Module 1 Formats: how holograms and immersive shows are really made 3 hUnderstand
Many shows called holographic use clever illusions rather than true 3D light. Knowing the methods helps you choose well and describe the show honestly.
- Reflected-image effects use an angled clear screen to make a figure appear to float on stage.
- Projection mapping paints images onto buildings, sets or objects.
- Walk-through immersive rooms combine projection, sound, scent and movement.
- Headset VR and augmented reality add personal 3D views.
Activity. Compare three formats in a table with how it works, cost, room needs and best use.
Standard to meet. Build an accurate table that names the illusion method.
Module 2 Story, audience and guest flow 4 hCreate
Technology serves the story. Start with who the show is for and what they should feel.
- Write one idea, one audience and one feeling.
- Map the journey in scenes with time and mood.
- Plan the first minute carefully; it sets the rules.
- Plan how guests move from entry to exit with one-way routes to avoid crowding.
Activity. Write a one-page concept, a six-scene map and a flow map.
Standard to meet. State audience, feeling, scene times and guest flow in the concept.
Module 3 Stage technology and backups 5 hApply
Lighting, projection and sound must work together.
- Projector brightness is measured in lumens; a small dark room needs about 3,000 to 5,000; large rooms need more.
- Throw distance and screen size set image size and clarity.
- Control room, cue lists and spare equipment.
- Sound design and timing with visuals.
Activity. List equipment, cables, power and spares for your show.
Standard to meet. List specs and spares.
Module 4 Safety in the dark 5 hEvaluate
People move in low light and may be startled.
- Exits lit and clear; capacity from exit width.
- Trip hazards removed or marked; handrails for steps.
- Warnings for flashing lights and loud sounds.
- Trained staff, an emergency plan and a rehearsal of turning on the house lights.
Activity. Write a safety plan.
Standard to meet. Plan is approved by the venue.
Module 5 Access and inclusion 4 hEvaluate
Everyone should be able to enjoy the show.
- Step-free routes, seating, captions and audio description.
- Low-sensory sessions with softer sound and steady light.
- Clear signs and a quiet area.
- Ask a disabled guest to test the route.
Activity. Write an access plan and a tester feedback form.
Standard to meet. List the measures and test them.
Module 6 Rights, permissions and content 3 hApply
Clear everything before show day.
- Music, images, scripts and performers need permission.
- Written agreements and credits.
- Performer consent for filming.
- Keep contracts and licences in a binder.
Activity. Complete a rights sheet and binder list.
Standard to meet. Give a source for all items.
Module 7 Budget and break-even 4 hAnalyse
Plan the money.
- Equipment hire, crew, venue, marketing and a contingency of about 10 per cent.
- Ticket price x seats x shows.
- Break-even audience.
- Test low sales.
Activity. Build a budget with break-even and a low-sales case.
Standard to meet. Show the currency and calculate totals correctly.
Module 8 Run sheet and rehearsal 3 hCreate
Run smoothly.
- Cue sheet and roles.
- Technical and dress rehearsals.
- Rehearse a failure of each system, such as a power cut.
- Debrief and fix.
Activity. Write a run sheet and practise one failure.
Standard to meet. Run sheet is complete and the failure drill is logged.
assessment
How you are checked
Your evidence: concept, tech list, safety plan, budget, run sheet. Two peers and one mentor mark it with this rubric. Pass: no criterion at 'Not yet'.
| Criterion | Not yet | Meets | Exceeds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concept | Vague | Clear | Clear and tested |
| Safety and access | Gaps | Plans | Plans approved |
| Budget | No totals | Totals | Break-even |
| Safety evidence | Effects unchecked | Each effect has its hazard (light, laser, haze, crowd) noted | Hazards rehearsed once and the notes show what changed |
| Crowd, fire and access rules | Venue rules not checked | Capacity, fire exit, haze and access rules for the place are written down | Rules checked with the venue and authority and an exit drill timed |
Ten-question check, with model answers
Q1. How are many stage holograms made?
Model answer: Illusions using angled screens. (Covered in module 1: Formats: how holograms and immersive shows are really made. To pass that module: Build an accurate table that names the illusion method.)
Q2. Why dark rooms?
Model answer: Images show brighter and the hidden sheet stays unseen. (Covered in module 1: Formats: how holograms and immersive shows are really made. To pass that module: Build an accurate table that names the illusion method.)
Q3. Capacity from?
Model answer: Exit width. (Covered in module 4: Safety in the dark. To pass that module: Plan is approved by the venue.)
Q4. Access measure?
Model answer: Step-free route or captions. (Covered in module 5: Access and inclusion. To pass that module: List the measures and test them.)
Q5. Rights needed for?
Model answer: Music, images, performers. (Covered in module 6: Rights, permissions and content. To pass that module: Give a source for all items.)
Q6. Budget contingency?
Model answer: Spare funds. (Covered in module 7: Budget and break-even. To pass that module: Show the currency and calculate totals correctly.)
Q7. Break-even?
Model answer: Audience to cover cost. (Covered in module 7: Budget and break-even. To pass that module: Show the currency and calculate totals correctly.)
Q8. Why rehearse?
Model answer: Find faults. (Covered in module 8: Run sheet and rehearsal. To pass that module: Run sheet is complete and the failure drill is logged.)
Q9. Flash warning?
Model answer: Protect photosensitive guests. (Covered in module 4: Safety in the dark. To pass that module: Plan is approved by the venue.)
Q10. Tech serves?
Model answer: The story. (Covered in module 2: Story, audience and guest flow. To pass that module: State audience, feeling, scene times and guest flow in the concept.)
levels L1 to L7
The ladder, slide by slide
Seven slides, one per level. Open each for the slide text and the speaker notes.
Slide 1 L1 Basic: Formats: how holograms and immersive shows are really made
L1: learner can name formats. Focus module: Formats: how holograms and immersive shows are really made (Understand, 3 h). Many shows called holographic use clever illusions rather than true 3D light. Knowing the methods helps you choose well and describe the show honestly. Key points: Reflected-image effects use an angled clear screen to make a figure appear to float on stage. Projection mapping paints images onto buildings, sets or objects. Walk-through immersive rooms combine projection, sound, scent and movement. Headset VR and augmented reality add personal 3D views.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A reflected-image effect uses a bright screen below an angled transparent sheet. The audience sees a figure floating while the sheet is almost invisible in a dark room. A visit to a local exhibit shows how a hidden screen creates depth. Then set the activity: Compare three formats in a table with how it works, cost, room needs and best use. Mark against the standard: Build an accurate table that names the illusion method. Check at this level: How are many stage holograms made? Model answer: Illusions using angled screens.
Slide 2 L2 Awareness: Story, audience and guest flow
L2: learner knows safety. Focus module: Story, audience and guest flow (Create, 4 h). Technology serves the story. Start with who the show is for and what they should feel. Key points: Write one idea, one audience and one feeling. Map the journey in scenes with time and mood. Plan the first minute carefully; it sets the rules. Plan how guests move from entry to exit with one-way routes to avoid crowding.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A museum plans a six-scene walk about local rivers: arrival, spring, flood, drought, repair, hope. Each scene lasts four minutes and uses one main effect. Then set the activity: Write a one-page concept, a six-scene map and a flow map. Mark against the standard: State audience, feeling, scene times and guest flow in the concept. Check at this level: Why dark rooms? Model answer: Images show brighter and the hidden sheet stays unseen.
Slide 3 L3 Foundation: Stage technology and backups
L3: learner can list tech. Focus module: Stage technology and backups (Apply, 5 h). Lighting, projection and sound must work together. Key points: Projector brightness is measured in lumens; a small dark room needs about 3,000 to 5,000; large rooms need more. Throw distance and screen size set image size and clarity. Control room, cue lists and spare equipment. Sound design and timing with visuals.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A 5,000-lumen projector with a 1.5 throw ratio at 4.5 m gives a 3 m wide image, enough for a small dark room. A spare projector is mounted ready. Then set the activity: List equipment, cables, power and spares for your show. Mark against the standard: Specs and spares are listed. Check at this level: Capacity from? Model answer: Exit width.
Slide 4 L4 Practitioner: Safety in the dark
L4: learner can run a rehearsal. Focus module: Safety in the dark (Evaluate, 5 h). People move in low light and may be startled. Key points: Exits lit and clear; capacity from exit width. Trip hazards removed or marked; handrails for steps. Warnings for flashing lights and loud sounds. Trained staff, an emergency plan and a rehearsal of turning on the house lights.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. Capacity is limited to 150 from exit width, following the venue's and local authority's rules, and a fire plan is approved by the venue. Staff practise turning on the house lights. Then set the activity: Write a safety plan. Mark against the standard: Plan is approved by the venue. Check at this level: Access measure? Model answer: Step-free route or captions.
Slide 5 L5 Specialist: Access and inclusion
L5: learner can budget. Focus module: Access and inclusion (Evaluate, 4 h). Everyone should be able to enjoy the show. Key points: Step-free routes, seating, captions and audio description. Low-sensory sessions with softer sound and steady light. Clear signs and a quiet area. Ask a disabled guest to test the route.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A quiet hour with lower sound and steady lights lets sensory-sensitive guests attend. A wheelchair user finds a threshold too high and a ramp is added. Then set the activity: Write an access plan and a tester feedback form. Mark against the standard: Measures are listed and tested. Check at this level: Rights needed for? Model answer: Music, images, performers.
Slide 6 L6 Advanced: Budget and break-even
L6: learner can lead. Focus module: Budget and break-even (Analyse, 4 h). Plan the money. Key points: Equipment hire, crew, venue, marketing and a contingency of about 10 per cent. Ticket price x seats x shows. Break-even audience. Test low sales.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. Costs of 200,000 INR with a 400 INR ticket gives break-even at 500 tickets across 4 shows, or 125 per show. A 20,000 INR contingency is held. Then set the activity: Build a budget with break-even and a low-sales case. Mark against the standard: Currency shown and totals correct. Check at this level: Budget contingency? Model answer: Spare funds.
Slide 7 L7 Super expert: Run sheet and rehearsal
L7: learner can audit. Focus module: Run sheet and rehearsal (Create, 3 h). Run smoothly. Key points: Cue sheet and roles. Technical and dress rehearsals. Rehearse a failure of each system, such as a power cut. Debrief and fix.
Speaker notes. Teach: open with the worked example. A rehearsal finds a cue 3 seconds late and the cue sheet is corrected. The team practises a power cut and restores the show in two minutes. Then set the activity: Write a run sheet and practise one failure. Mark against the standard: Run sheet is complete and the failure drill is logged. Check at this level: Break-even? Model answer: Audience to cover cost.
jobs this leads to
Where this takes you
- Stage tech assistant. Sets equipment.
- Stage manager trainee. Calls cues.
- Event producer assistant. Manages budget.
- Museum experience coordinator. Plans exhibits.
- Access officer. Leads inclusion.
Next courses: VR live events, podcasting, event management.
ten locations and global
Your place
Public safety and licensing rules differ by place.
India (Bengaluru)
Language: English, Hindi, Kannada. Write numbers in INR. Personal data rule: Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023. Skills frame to name in your evidence: National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) and the national credit framework. Consumer rule: Consumer Protection Act 2019.
Netherlands (Eindhoven area)
Language: Dutch, English. Write numbers in EUR. Personal data rule: EU GDPR (Dutch: AVG), supervised by the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Dutch qualification framework (NLQF) linked to the European Qualifications Framework. Consumer rule: EU and Dutch consumer rules (14-day cooling-off for online sales).
UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Language: Arabic, English. Write numbers in AED. Personal data rule: Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (personal data protection). Skills frame to name in your evidence: the emirate education and training regulators (for example KHDA in Dubai) and the national qualifications framework. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Brazil (Sao Paulo)
Language: Portuguese (Spanish and English support). Write numbers in BRL. Personal data rule: LGPD (Lei Geral de Protecao de Dados). Skills frame to name in your evidence: the national technical-education catalogue and the national S-system training bodies. Consumer rule: the Consumer Defence Code (CDC).
Canada (Toronto)
Language: English, French. Write numbers in CAD. Personal data rule: PIPEDA, with provincial rules where they apply. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the provincial colleges framework and the national credential-recognition guidance. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
United States
Language: English, Spanish. Write numbers in USD. Personal data rule: state privacy laws (for example California), and COPPA for children under 13. Skills frame to name in your evidence: state and community-college credit systems. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Singapore
Language: English, Mandarin, Malay, Tamil. Write numbers in SGD. Personal data rule: Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Singapore national skills frameworks and the national credit system. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Australia
Language: English. Write numbers in AUD. Personal data rule: the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Hong Kong (Eastern Asia)
Language: Chinese (Cantonese, Mandarin), English. Write numbers in HKD. Personal data rule: the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Georgia and Israel (Western Asia)
Language: Georgian, Hebrew, Arabic, English. Write numbers in GEL or ILS. Personal data rule: the personal data law of the country where the learner lives. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the national qualifications framework of that country. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Cayman Islands (Caribbean)
Language: English. Write numbers in KYD. Personal data rule: the Data Protection Act. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the local education and training framework. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Mexico
Language: Spanish, English. Write numbers in MXN. Personal data rule: the federal law on personal data held by private parties. Skills frame to name in your evidence: the national competency certification system and the education ministry levels. Consumer rule: local consumer-protection law.
Global
The global version uses plain English, metric units, and your own currency. Machine translation is available in every language; the English text is the official text. Before you act for real, check your local rules with an adviser. Currency: USD (or your own currency, written next to every number).
next
Draft
Draft flagship. Written in our own words. Not live. Check local rules with an adviser before you act for real.