a CHRISTMAS CAROL VR

A Classic Reimagined in Revolutionary VR

This groundbreaking VR adaptation reimagined Dickens' timeless classic, allowing live actors to seamlessly embody multiple roles. Performers shifted perspectives between Scrooge, Dickens, and the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in a richly detailed virtual world where every scene unfolded live before the audience's eyes.

The Raindance production of A Christmas Carol VR was powered by a custom-built performance pipeline in Unreal Engine 5, specifically optimized for real-time delivery on Meta Quest headsets. Actors performed as MetaHumans, utilizing the Meta Movement SDK for full-body tracking and the Meta Quest Pro’s advanced facial tracking capabilities. A proprietary avatar control system enabled performers to switch characters instantly. It also allowed for dynamic toggling between third-person and first-person perspectives, letting actors monitor their movements or maintain virtual eye contact with scene partners as needed. A fully integrated stage management console provided real-time cueing for media, scene transitions, lighting, and animation—effectively replicating the functionality of a traditional theater booth within a virtual environment.

CREDITS

An Agile Lens Production

Cast: Ari Tarr as Dickens, Scrooge, Others, and Debbie Deer as the Ghosts

Originally produced in association with Actors Theater of Louisville

Originally directed by Robert Barry Fleming

Adapted and Directed for VR by David Gochfeld

Stage Managers: Michael Morran & Charlotte Brown

Lead Developer: Yu-Jun Yeh

Development Team: Yu-Jun Yeh, Dante Cameron, Marshall Nowak, Noah Bowers and Charles Alexander

Environmental Design: Dante Cameron

Producers: Alex Coulombe and Kevin Laibson

Livestream Cinematographer: Jackie Roman

Media Sponsor: Instinctively Real Media

Live Immersive Theatre for up to 20 players | Show Runtime: 60-75 mins | Platform: Meta Quest | Raindance Immersive 2025 Award nomination: Best Immersive Theatre