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Main principles of an immersive event for business

Translated from English, “immersive process” is something that allows you to immerse yourself in artificially formed conditions in which a special emotional state arises, the effect of complete presence in simulated circumstances. In the theatrical environment, the principle of immersion began to be expressed in the fact that the audience left the “parterre” and began to travel with the actors in the atmosphere of ancient mansions and abandoned factories - in a stylized reality. At the same time, this format makes it possible to use not only the skills of the artists, but also touch, smell, volumetric visualization, tactility, physicality, and live contact.

The idea of full immersion was born out of necessity:
  • the transition of viewers from the objectivity of the director's and actor's influence to greater dialogue and co-creation;
  • searching for new ways to maintain theatrical illusion and delight the guests of the production.

How is the immersive effect achieved?
  • Creating an atmosphere through a special organization of space and sound.
  • The physical movement of the public through an organized space.
  • Giving the audience their own roles within the action.
  • The influence of the public on the development of the production.
  • Using the genres of playback theater and forum theater, where the viewer is the “scriptwriter” and “actor” of the action.

What makes it possible to create an engaging atmosphere?
  • Emotional immersion through working with space and different organs of perception.
  • Physical participation.
  • Role interaction.
  • Various types of communication with the viewer.
  • Co-creation with participants.

Since the action is structured dramaturgically, it “predicts” a certain state, conclusions from experience, questions with which the audience comes out after the action, because the participants act under the conditions set by the director.

Why do immersive theater techniques and tools work specifically for business?

Every company has a need to motivate staff for high-quality work and initiative. Moreover, thanks to the methods of improvisation and performance, special decorations are not needed for this. The place of action is the space of life. And for this purpose, minimalistic, but precise in terms of meaning, solutions are found. The main attention is paid to live contact, which contributes to the birth of a joint creative act and common experiences. This is an important prerequisite for business projects, because the business field is about decisions, active interaction, cooperation and co-creation. In turn, theatrical techniques are easy to understand, physically and emotionally involve and contribute to transformational processes in communication. The toolkit allows you to develop the breadth of people’s vision and skills dictated by the new time.

What does Air Lab offer?

Our team introduced into use the concept of “business performance” - a specially staged event that leaves employees with a memorable experience, feelings, and emotions. It is immersive in nature and can be either a separate event or part of a set of project activities for business. Work occurs at the level of meanings and values, inevitably transforming the behavior of employees.

One of the business performances we organized was an event aimed at strengthening the idea of a corporate culture of happiness. The activity coincided with the launch of a new HR strategy in the company. The team took inspiration from artist Tino Sehgal's Progress and took 120 participants on an unexpected adventure. The performance involved working with space and atmosphere, communication with the viewer and physical involvement. In addition, we structured the dramaturgy to bring people to business awareness.

The immersion began in a unique space - a museum building located in an old mansion. Each was greeted by a child, then by a guide of the younger generation, then by a mature person, and then by a representative of elegant retirement age. Participants, in pairs with trained guides, traveled through the 3-story estate, recalling their dreams, choices, crises and achievements. Creative performance coaching helped employees connect with the meaning of their professional path and development.

The participants reflected on the music stands and realized what kind of “music” they were playing for their colleagues and the company as a whole. And we listened and danced to their stories of professional happiness. This action, which was so unexpected for people, was also accompanied by a business part, to which employees came to with a high level of openness and involvement in new ideas. And this is just one of the successfully implemented examples!

In addition, Covid times have made it possible to adapt our programs to modern realities. It was during that period that an absolutely wonderful and popular format of business performance in the online environment appeared to this day. Air Lab has chosen the form of virtual travel. Immersion occurs due to:
  • creating an atmosphere of boarding and flying;
  • live dialogue and communication with residents of other countries;
  • interactions between flight participants;
  • post-event in the form of sending postcards from the place that the participants “visited”.

Any format of immersive performances is an integral part of corporate training. After all, they allow you to work at the level of values, meanings and attitudes. Due to such techniques, it is difficult to believe those who have not yet plunged into this world on their own. Dive with us!