Drama School receives £1.35m to develop immersive technologies

The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama has been awarded £1.35m from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to develop immersive and digital technologies.

The investment comes ahead of the launch of the school’s Performance Lab, which the schools says will “acts as a catalyst for research and development in theatre and performance in immersive performance and digital technologies”.

“Performance Lab will contribute distinctive new research to enhance the UK’s creative and cultural economy,” Central’s Head of Knowledge Exchange, Professor Bryce Lease, added.

Central School, part of the University of London, will also use the investment to upgrade existing facilities and support its work in a range of areas including sound and audio performance and digital performance training.

UKRI’s investment forms part of a £103m package supporting the higher education sector across England.