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Interpersonal Physiological Synchrony of Audiences

Talk

Dr Mike Richardson, University of Bath
Event date
Wednesday 20 May 2026, 1pm to 2.30pm
Location
In-person and online
CoSTAR Live Lab, Production Park, South Kirkby, Wakefield WF9 3NR
Audience
Open to alumni, staff, students, the public
Admission
Free admission, booking required

Event details

CoSTAR Live Lab Presents

In this talk, Mike will discuss three projects using heart rate and motion detection methods to explore: A live-streamed major theatre production of ‘Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead’ (in partnership with Bristol Old Vic and Complicité); a live jazz and classical lunchtime concert (in partnership with St George’s Bristol); and, an interactive musical virtual reality performance (in partnership with Aardman Animations and Tom Morris Productions). The results of these studies demonstrate how innovative experimental techniques can inform and compliment creative productions and gain a deeper understanding of audience experience.

About the speaker

Dr Mike Richardson, a Research Associate in the CREATE Lab, Department of Psychology at the University of Bath, and an honorary researcher in the School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol. For the last 4 years, he has worked in the Audience Understanding team on the MyWorld Project, a large-scale UKRI-funded collaboration between academia and industry in the West of England that explores the future of creative technology and performance. Mike’s research sits at the intersection of experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and human-computer interaction, investigating audience experiences of performance and immersion. You can connect with Mike on his LinkedIn page.