The Fear Paradigm

The Fear Paradigm was an immersive theatre piece commissioned by the Liverpool Horror Society for the Liverpool Tattoo Convention involving elements of immersive theatre, escape room style puzzle solving, and a virtual reality storytelling element. Because of the ludicrously quick turn-around from conception to implementation (four absolutely mental days) this project was perhaps not as refined as I would have liked, but it enforced some very valuable lessons regarding how to put on a production. Principally, the value of just getting up and doing it. The hour-long experience took two people (myself and a friend) four days to develop in its entirety, including the recording and editing of various audio clips and the virtual reality segment. Ultimately, we received very positive feedback from both the organisers of the event and our audience. Subsequently, it has inspired us to go back to the drawing board to enhance what we have and add more. This project was also one of the first times I got to work with utilising 360 video and editing software. Due to the way we designed the event, the VR element was integral to the storyline. Its inclusion heighted the “immersiveness” and led to some genuinely terrified participants. Although I’m not too happy with the finished product, it provides an excellent piece of groundwork from which I can continue its development. Refining aspects of it as I continue to showcase it to more people. Currently, the Fear Paradigm is being prepared for the potential of showcasing it at a few summer festivals including; the Buxton Fringe, Edinburgh Fringe, and Sheffield Docfest. Find the link for my VR video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDLsIql_0I0&t=28s