Ryan Rotella

Category: Pre-Thesis

  • Thesis Progress Update 4

    Thesis Progress Update 4

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    Ryan Rotella
    in

    This week marked a significant pivot in my thesis direction. After exploring theatrical immersive performances over the past few weeks, I’ve decided to shift toward creating a satirical gambling app that reveals the gambling logic embedded throughout modern society. This experience will combine a mobile app built in Swift/SwiftUI with projection mapping via TouchDesigner, using…

  • Thesis Progress Update 3

    Thesis Progress Update 3

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    by

    Ryan Rotella
    in

    For my Research-by-Making these past 2 weeks, I made 2 storytelling projects in 2 different mediums. First, I made a video collage by using Motion Capture data retargeted to 3D models in Blender as well as archival footage of my grandfather, father, and uncles playing football. This was a final for my class, Mocap for…

  • Progress Update 2: Research Findings & Reflections

    Progress Update 2: Research Findings & Reflections

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    by

    Ryan Rotella
    in

    Research Findings: What I Learned Since establishing my initial inquiry space, I’ve pursued a focused research trajectory that has significantly shaped my understanding of participatory performance, therapeutic theater, and the tension between spectacle and genuine emotional engagement. Drama Therapy and Applied Theatre: A Critical Distinction Following my advisor Luisa’s feedback, I explored the drama therapy…

  • Pre-Thesis: Best Foot Forward

    Pre-Thesis: Best Foot Forward

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    by

    Ryan Rotella
    in

    Prompt: Progress update 1: Inquiry  space + inspiration repository.  What is an Inquiry Space? An inquiry space is essentially my creative research territory—a visual map of the fields, themes, media, and techniques that spark my curiosity and will drive me toward my thesis. Rather than diving randomly into an overwhelming amount of research, mapping my…