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Creative Computing students bring inspiring story to life with innovative tech
Wednesday, 22 January, 2025The way we tell stories is constantly changing, with Bath Spa University Creative Computing students adopting a fresh approach to bring a unique tale to life.
Inspired by a real-world brief set by the Soap Soup Theatre Company, a group of four students developed an Augmented Reality (AR) app that told the story of Minny Stynker, a character invented by Tomasin Cuthbert Menes, Director of Soap Soup Theatre.
The Minny Stynker project is a picture book, a theatre show and a theatrical augmented reality experience, the latter of which showcases the work of BSU students turned graduates Ruby Meyers, Rhys White, Jensen Philip and Paul Johnson. The project completed a tour of the country in 2024 and was designed to support children while being treated in hospital.
The Soap Soup Theatre itself became a Community Interest Company in February 2023, creating accessible, innovative theatrical experiences and educational programmes for children and young people in the South West. Its collaboration with Bath Spa University represents just one of a number of real-world briefs that give students the opportunity to gain valuable experience.
Touching on the importance of this experience, BSU Senior Lecturer in Creative Computing Jake Hobbs said:
“The idea is to give students experience working on professional creative technology projects but with the support of tutors and their peers, and to give companies the opportunity to test out new ideas. Through the module students have made successful creative technology projects for Aardman, IBM, BRLSI, Bath Theatre Royal, and many more.”
Some of the prototypes Jake mentions have gone on to be further developed by the companies, including an exhibit at We The Curious in Bristol, part of a planetarium show with the Herschel Society, the BRLSI Riverside AR Commission from BANES, and now the Soap Soup Theatre Company.
Speaking about seeing the project come to life, Jake added:
“It’s so rewarding to see R&D projects initiated by students grow and evolve, showcasing the incredible potential of their ideas. Real-world briefs not only help students connect classroom learning to real-life challenges but also highlight the value of knowledge exchange between creative computing students and industry.”
Now BSU graduates, all students involved are making the first steps in their careers, with the experience of working with the Soap Soup Theatre Company giving them the tools to stride forward with confidence.
Are you interested in finding new ways to tell stories? Bath Spa University has a range of creative courses that can help you find your voice.