The Machine

The Machine
Immersive Theatre Project
Conceived and directed by Ryan Underbakke

April 11-14, 2024
Sklarsky Glass Box Theater, SHED

The Immersive Theatre Project is a year-long creation process culminating in a student-made production. Story enthusiasts and artists of all kinds, from actors to game designers to LARPers, will all collaboratively develop a piece "in conversation with" the School for Performing Arts other spring production, Ada and the Engine by Lauren Gunderson. Students will spend the fall semester devising storytelling concepts based on theatrical space, thematic structure, and performance. In the spring semester, these ideas will be transformed into a theatrical showing that connects back to Ada. Throughout the production, students will lead decision-making.

Click here to view the The Machine digital program booklet

• Show length is ~90 minutes.
• The show is highly mobile. The actors and audience will be able to move through multiple spaces.
  • The show is wheelchair accessible.
  • Please contact performingarts@rit.edu to request any mobility accommodations.
• The show contains mature content including disturbing and unsettling imagery. If at any time you feel uncomfortable, please feel free to exit the room, or leave the show entirely.
• Actors will not force you to do anything you do not want to do
• Actors will not touch the participants at any time. In return, the participants are asked not to touch the actors
• The immersive theatre experience begins outside of The Sklarsky Glass Box Theater in the SHED
• Audiences will be given a mask to wear for the performance and asked to remain silent for the piece
• Please be advised: this production contains flashing lights and loud noises

If you have additional questions regarding this immersive experience, please contact Ryan Underbakke, director and faculty supervisor at rmuspa@rit.edu
ASL Interpretation is available for all performances.