“Imagine a Jukebox that plays stories instead of records, and allows you to choose only the chapters you want” [DShed]

Two years ago, the Pervasive Media Studio met brother and sister duo, Stand + Stare Collective. Producers of interactive and immersive theatrical experiences, Lucy and Barney Heywood wanted to fuse theatre and pervasive technologies to create a device that played interactive stories, the Theatre Jukebox. Joining the Studio on a 6-week micro-residency, they rapidly developed their concept from a pencil sketch to a functioning prototype. Using RFID technology hidden inside postcards to trigger individual stories, the Jukebox uses animation, projections, and binaural audio to fully immerse you in its world. Since finishing their residency scheme, news of their innovative and enchanting Theatre Jukebox has spread far and fast and they enter 2013 with a line up of commissions set to take the Jukebox to the next level.

This January, Lucy and Barney headed to Stratford to install a special version of their Theatre Jukebox in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theatre. Commissioned to offer a new way of engaging with the Theatre’s programme, the unique collection of postcards takes inspiration from the RSC’s current programme, as well as its Archive and Collection, to deliver a set of captivating stories. Entitled 'Theatre Jukebox presents: A World Elsewhere’, their device will be accessible in the Swan Theatre’s foyer until 2nd April.

Alongside their Theatre Jukebox, the duo are also developing a new project commissioned as part of Watershed’s REACT initiative. Collaborating with academic partner Tim Cole, their project Turning the Page will bring the pages of well-worn travel books alive with stories, soundscapes and projections.

Next month Stand + Stare Collective will also lead Watershed’s annual Grundtvig workshop bringing together older learners from across Europe. This year’s workshop, Digital Dishes, will use our relationship with food and the memories it evokes to create a new collection of food-related stories for the Theatre Jukebox. Working with Stand + Stare, the workshop will give participants the unique opportunity to learn about new technologies while exchanging stories and meals with new friends.

With forthcoming commissions from the Library of Birmingham and Oxford City Council, and a project in the pipeline with Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, not to mention a recent nomination for the Interactive Art award at international festival South by Southwest, Lucy and Barney have a very busy year ahead of them.

To find out more about the travels and adventures of the Theatre Jukebox, come along to Stand + Stare Collective’s lunchtime talk, 1pm Friday 26 April in the Pervasive Media Studio.