Welcome to Evolution of Story III: Having a Larp
Immersion, Liveness, and the Qualities of Experience
17th June 2025 | Online | Southampton Solent University, Southampton, UK
Join us at Solent University for the third iteration of the Evolution of Story symposium, where we will explore the cutting edge of immersive storytelling through the lens of Live Action Role Play (Larp). This one-day event brings together leading scholars, practitioners, and creatives to critically examine how Larp is reshaping our understanding of narrative, liveness, and audience engagement.
As Larp continues to evolve from niche subculture to a prominent and dynamic storytelling form, the symposium will consider the critical and conceptual dimensions of this transformation. Focusing on the concept of “liveness” within immersive experiences, we will discuss how real-time interaction shapes audience perception and influences narrative construction.
This year’s program features a carefully curated selection of academic papers, keynote presentations from prominent voices in the field, and hands-on workshops designed to push the boundaries of immersive practice. We are also thrilled to announce that selected contributions from the symposium will be featured in a special issue of Storyworlds: A Journal of Narrative Studies, expected to be published in late 2026 or early 2027.
Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, or creative interested in the intersection of liveness, immersion, and narrative, Evolution of Story III promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring event.
Programme
This year’s program will take a hybrid approach. All papers and keynote presentations will be released as video-papers via the Evolution of Story YouTube channel in advance of the symposium. On the day itself, we will host a series of dynamic online sessions designed to be active and participatory. These sessions will include networking opportunities, panel discussions, immersive experiences, and Open Space conversations where attendees can exchange ideas and explore new perspectives.
Download the full list of abstracts and panels HERE!
This year’s event takes place on Remo, an interactive virtual venue where you can move between tables, chat with others, and take part in immersive sessions. There will be a small access fee of £3–£5 to join the platform on the day. A registration link will be shared closer to the event so you can create your avatar and set up your profile in advance.
→ More on Remo: https://remo.co/
10:00–11:15 – Panel Discussion
Filling the Void(space): Participatory Dramaturgies and Community Building in LARP and Interactive Theatre
Hosted by Katy Naylor (Voidspace)
This panel brings together leading voices from larp, interactive theatre, and participatory storytelling to discuss how temporary play communities can foster lasting care, imagination, and transformation.
Panelists:
- Jack Aldisert (Deadweight)
- Tom Black (Jury Games)
- Owen Kingston (Parabolic Theatre)
- Chloe Mashiter (Game designer and theatre-maker)
11:30–13:00 – Open Space Session
Theme: Spontaneity is a Lie (But a Beautiful One)
Inspired by Dr Simon Brind’s keynote talk (available in advance on our YouTube channel).
This Open Space session invites you to explore the provocations raised in Simon Brind’s talk on liveness, agency, and emergent narrative in larp. Open Space is a self-organising format where participants set the agenda, propose discussion topics, and move freely between conversations.
Host a session, join a session, or just listen in — it’s a flexible and participant-led way to dig deeper into the ideas that matter to you.
→ More on Open Space: https://openspaceworld.org/wp2/
13:00–14:00 – Lunch Break
14:00–16:00 – Larp Session
What We Leave Behind
Hosted by Dr Adam Jerrett (University of Portsmouth)
What We Leave Behind is a collaborative online larp grounded in shared reflection and the emotional resonance of music. Participants will play as strangers at a personal crossroads, gathering one last time beneath the stars. Using adapted wellbeing rituals from What We Take With Us, this larp explores themes of memory, community, and meaning in our modern world.
No prior larp experience required — just bring imagination and a willingness to connect.
16:00–16:30 – Informal Closing Space
A space to share reflections, say goodbye, and close the day together.
Please make sure to register on Remo in advance once the link is released so you can access Remo and customise your profile. We look forward to welcoming you to a day of playful inquiry, imaginative practice, and collective storying.
Register now* to receive regular updates and exclusive invitations to be part of the online experience.
*While participation in the symposium is free, there will be a small charge payable for access to the online platform we will be using to host the event.
Meanwhile, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Evolution of Story and stay tuned for updates.
Disclaimer: The title “Having a Larp” is also the name of a commercial business. The Evolution of Story III Symposium is not affiliated with or endorsed by this business. We would like to thank the owner of Having a Larp for their kind understanding and support in allowing us to use this phrase.
Photo by Peter Steffen at DPA.