A large group of people pose in a small study in a large mid century mansion.

Had the best time playing games, talking games, making games, and gaming with friends while at #WorldsInPlay25 - Thank you, play friends!

Five people sit on chairs facing out to an unseen audience. Big Ideas on Limited Resources Salon April Soetarman, Jordan Chlapecka, Kendra Slack, and Jack Alidisert Moderated by Jessica Creane Interactive stories. One on one moments. Meaningful audience agency. Stunning performances and costumes. Highly detailed sets and props. Cinematic lighting and special effects. Immersive audiences want it all but, as we all know, that gets expensive really quickly. What are the tips and tricks creators on a budget can use to create wow moments? What aspects should creators prioritize so they don’t overextend themselves, mentally, emotionally, or financially? Join us for a participatory discussion on doing a lot, with a little. Note: all salons are considered off the record.

Andy Crocker gestures in an uplifting motion, wearing a super cute patterned romper, and behind her is one of her projects in a slide: Ghost Town Alive. Playful Open Worlds Panel Ariel Rubin, Juliana Moreno, Jared Butler, and Andy Crocker Moderated by Sara Thacher Room: Piazza (Lobby Level) The dream of many immersive creators is to achieve what feels like an open world video game, but with tactile elements located in a real world space. Of course, this comes with many challenges. How do you design for a participant who is free to wander in and out of your story? Is it possible for each person to have a hero moment or feel like the main character? What does it take to populate a world cohesively and make it feel alive? How many people can play simultaneously without shattering the illusion? How do you serve those who just want to lean back and vibe or those who purposefully want to break the game? Enjoy these topics and more in this dynamic discussion between immersive creators working at the forefront of interactivity in physical experiences.

A brunette woman stands on a proscenium stage with a slide behind her: CULTURE. HOUSE IMMERSIVE A Smart Slate of tourable immersive experiences combining leading creative with an innovative distribution network. CULTURE HOUSE How We Human Together – Mikhael Tara Garver (Culture House Immersive)

Jack Aldisert, a white brunette man gestures while speaking to a pink haired person, Cass Bailey, which enacting a small section of his work The Manikins in front of a stage audience.

That’s a wrap (for me) at #NextStage25 - I’m headed to Urbana Champlain for #WorldsInPlay25! What an amazing conference- the amount of talent and ideas at Next Stage is intoxicating: what a perfect way to arrive to a week of creative play!