Play Testing

The process of testing ideas for playable and immersive theatre

What Is Play Testing?

Play testing is like a scratch night—but for immersive and playable theatre.

It’s a one-day creative sprint that brings together a mix of performers, makers, and game designers who are curious about or already working in immersive performance. The idea is simple: spend the day exploring a new idea, then present a short sharing to a small audience at the end of the day.

Whether you’re a seasoned immersive artist or just starting to dip your toes into the world of playable theatre, play testing is a space to experiment, connect, and grow.It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Performers | Makers | Game Designers

Why Join a Play Test?

  • 🎭 Make and perform: Stretch your creative muscles in a focused, high-energy environment.

  • 🤝 Meet collaborators: Build relationships with others working in or exploring this field.

  • 💡 Explore ideas: Try out concepts quickly and get immediate feedback.

  • 🔁 Low-stakes, high-reward: No pressure to be polished—just playful.

  • 📆 Once a month: A regular space to keep your creative practice alive and evolving.e it stand out.

  • Think of it as a creative lab for immersive performance—part jam session, part workshop, part showing. It’s about process over polish, and it’s open to anyone curious about interactive, immersive, and playable theatre.

Venues

Host a Play Test!

We’re always on the lookout for venues and creative spaces willing to host a Play Testing day. If you have a rehearsal room, studio, or flexible performance space and want to support the development of immersive and playable theatre, we’d love to hear from you.

By offering your space (even just for a day), you’re directly supporting:

  • 🌱 New work in development

  • 👥 Theatre-makers and performers at all stages of their careers

  • 🎮 Cross-disciplinary collaboration between artists and game designers

  • 🧪 Experimental performance practices that thrive on exploration

What you provide:

  • A space for 6–12 people to create, move, and rehearse

  • Access for a small invited audience for an informal end-of-day sharing

What you get:

  • Recognition as a supporter of innovative theatre-making

  • A chance to build connections with emerging talent and experienced makers

  • The opportunity to be at the forefront of new immersive work as it’s being born

If you’re a venue or organisation interested in supporting bold new performance ideas, get in touch. Play Testing thrives with the generosity of spaces that value experimentation, collaboration, and community.