For 7 years Artistic Directors  Genevieve Gearhart, Julianne Just, and Matthew Bamberg-Johnson of the Speakeasy society have shown LA’s immersive community the evolution of an artform. With more experience than most working in the LA area, they have a unique understanding of the word ‘play’ and why it’s so important to their work. The Speakeasy Society is responsible for works like:The Kansas Collection: A 10 part epic exploring the world of OZ The Johnny Cycle: a series about lost youth and the horrors of war- based on Dalton Trumbo’s ‘Johnny Got His Gun’.And Under the Bigtop: A series on time travel and the mystery of a 1928 circus -in collaboration with Two Bit Circus For any in the LA area: as of 7/5/19, they are currently working to remount the Johnny Cycle and are looking for folks interested in living through a glimpse of that world. Make it immersive:The Magicians [15:00]Selected links: Speakeasy societyJohnny cycle: VidyaKansas collectionThe magicians Dragon LanceForgotten realmsEdith Wharton: age of innocence Immersive Design SummitAgousto BoalInvisible theaterNo ProsceniumIndiecade festivalGOAT testKnotts Berry Farm: Ghost Town AliveHollywood fringe festivalThe PodMeow WolfJohnny got his gunDalton TrumboTwo Bit CircusUnder the Big TopShow Notes:Introductions & Favorite worlds? [1:55]What kind of experience are you trying to give your audience? [7:57]Setting the stage & onboarding [12:56]Value of play:-Genevieve Gearhart [17:28]-Matthew Bamberg-Johnson [19:23]-Julianne Just [21:40]Art and personal reflection [24:25]Veterans healing through immersion [25:05]Make it immersive: The magicians [28:10]Starting with the test & a secret entrance [30:25]No two experiences alike [33:35]Rationing resources with a group [38:50]What do you tell the uninitiated about immersion [40:30]You have importance, you are seen.. [40:50]Should you surprise a friend with immersion? [43:40]Immersion on the horizon: Thoughts on star wars, VR, and collaboration [45:50]LA Immersive Supergroup [51:11]GET IMMERSED: A billboard [54:20]What Speakeasy has on the horizon [59:42]A collaboration with Two Bit Circus: ‘Under the Big Top’ [1:03:18]The means, team, and times of Speakeasy Society [1:05:27]