Groundling P.I.T. Lab
The Performance and Immersive Technology Lab
In Elizabethan theatres, the “groundlings” would pay a penny to stand, and watch plays from “the pit". This made theatre financially accessible, and created a uniquely immersive experience for the groundlings, weaving them into each production.
The Groundling P.I.T. Lab aims to re-create this immersive experience for a new generation of theatre lovers by using Virtual Reality, XR technology and other digital storytelling tools to shape the next generation of storytelling.
The P.I.T. Lab is a collaborative hub where research & development, innovation, and learning stand prominently as foundational pillars. Cross-sector collaborations will drive innovations in storytelling, technology, business models, revenue generation, and the art forms created by XR and digital technology.
About Groundling
Groundling is an award-winning Canadian theatre company that re-imagines and re-invents the classics—from Shakespeare and his contemporaries and beyond. Founded in 2011 by Canadian actor/director Graham Abbey, the company has emerged as a leader in creating transformative theatre experiences in Canada.
In 2023 Groundling embraced new opportunities presented by XR and immersive technologies and created the Groundling Performance & Immersive Technology (P.I.T) Lab in partnership with BMO. Under the creative directorship of XR director/producer, Christopher Lane, the P.I.T. Lab explores the fusion of theatre, gaming, film, immersive technology and XR.
By bringing together creatives from multiple disciplines, Groundling inspires artists to build new performance models, new art forms, and new creative partnerships.
B Street Collaborative is thrilled to partner with Groundling as they explore the myriad of new story-telling possibilities that emerge when classical theatre meets XR and Immersive Technology. We look forward to hosting workshops that showcase these possibilities at The B Street Arts Hub.
Creative Team
Graham Abbey, Artistic Director
Christopher Lane, Creative Director, The P.I.T. Lab
Kristen LeBeouf, General Manager
Board of Directors
Derrick Chua, Chair
Adrienne Clarkson
Jane Freeman
