Call for Participation:

Evolution of Story III: Having a Larp: Immersion, Liveness, and the Qualities of Experience
A one-day international online symposium exploring the cutting edge of immersive storytelling through the lens of larp (live action role play)
Organized by the Film & Media Dept., Southampton Solent University, UK
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at· 5 – 11:30am EDT
Online, hosted by Remo
https://evolutionofstory.info/evolution-of-story-iii-having-a-larp/
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evolution-of-story-iii-having-a-larp-remo-registration-tickets-1392609676029

Join us at Solent University for the third iteration of the Evolution of Story symposium, where we will explore the cutting edge of immersive storytelling through the lens of Live Action Role Play (Larp). This one-day event brings together leading scholars, practitioners, and creatives to critically examine how Larp is reshaping our understanding of narrative, liveness, and audience engagement.

As Larp continues to evolve from niche subculture to a prominent and dynamic storytelling form, the symposium will consider the critical and conceptual dimensions of this transformation. Focusing on the concept of “liveness” within immersive experiences, we will discuss how real-time interaction shapes audience perception and influences narrative construction.

This year’s program features a carefully curated selection of academic papers, keynote presentations from prominent voices in the field, and hands-on workshops designed to push the boundaries of immersive practice. We are also thrilled to announce that selected contributions from the symposium will be featured in a special issue of Storyworlds: A Journal of Narrative Studies, expected to be published in late 2026 or early 2027.

The format combines pre-recorded video papers (released in advance on our YouTube channel) with a dynamic day of live, interactive sessions hosted on the Remo platform.

Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or creative interested in the intersection of liveness, immersion, and narrative, Evolution of Story III promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring event.

Vist the website for a full downloadable list of abstracts: https://evolutionofstory.info/evolution-of-story-iii-having-a-larp/

While registration to the symposium is free, there is a small charge payable for access to the online platform we will be using to host the event.

PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

PANEL DISCUSSION: Filling the Void(space): Participatory Dramaturgies and Community Building in LARP and Interactive Theatre Hosted by Katy Naylor (Voidspace) This panel brings together leading voices from larp, interactive theatre, and participatory storytelling to discuss how temporary play communities can foster lasting care, imagination, and transformation. Panelists: Jack Aldisert (Deadweight), Tom Black (Jury Games), Owen Kingston (Parabolic Theatre), Chloe Mashiter (Game designer and theatre-maker)

OPEN SPACE SESSION: Theme: Spontaneity is a Lie (But a Beautiful One) Inspired by Dr Simon Brind’s keynote talk (available in advance on our YouTube channel). This Open Space session invites you to explore the provocations raised in Simon Brind’s talk on liveness, agency, and emergent narrative in larp. Open Space is a self-organising format where participants set the agenda, propose discussion topics, and move freely between conversations. Host a session, join a session, or just listen in — it’s a flexible and participant-led way to dig deeper into the ideas that matter to you. More on Open Space: https://openspaceworld.org/wp2/

LARP SESSION: What We Leave Behind Hosted by Dr Adam Jerrett (University of Portsmouth) What We Leave Behind is a collaborative online larp grounded in shared reflection and the emotional resonance of music. Participants will play as strangers at a personal crossroads, gathering one last time beneath the stars. Using adapted wellbeing rituals from What We Take With Us, this larp explores themes of memory, community, and meaning in our modern world. No prior larp experience required — just bring imagination and a willingness to connect.

ABOUT THE EVENT PLATFORM

This year’s event takes place on Remo, an interactive virtual venue where you can move between tables, chat with others, and take part in immersive sessions. There will be a small access fee to join the platform on the day. A registration link will be shared in before the event so you can create your avatar and set up your profile in advance. More on Remo: https://remo.co/

Please make sure to register in advance once the link is released so you can access Remo and customise your profile. We look forward to welcoming you to a day of playful inquiry, imaginative practice, and collective storying.

ABOUT FILM & MEDIA DEPT., SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY

The creative media industries, encompassing a wide array of roles from directors to content creators for social media, are rapidly expanding. This growth is driven by the rise of media streaming and a robust film industry, demanding skilled content producers. Film & Media at Solent offers extensive opportunities for hands-on experience with professional-grade equipment and real-world project work through Solent Productions and Solent Creatives. Students gain meaningful experience, leading to a track record of producing award-winning work and securing positions at top companies. With access to industry professionals and guest speakers, Solent aims to elevate students’ creative ideas and career prospects in the media industry.