September 2026

Some great news, and some sobering news

"Yayyyy!" I squealed. "Wheeeeee! Whoooo hoooo!'

I'd just read the LinkedIn post from groundbreaking virtual-reality performing arts troupe Ferryman Collective.

On Saturday, Ferryman Collective--which just launched the world's first virtual-reality theatre season earlier this year--won an Emmy Award for their production Uncanny Alley: A New Day, in the Emerging Media category!

YESSSSS! The Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has chosen well.

With their live performances in VR, Ferryman Collective makes the audience part of each show. I've had the pleasure of experiencing their shows Gumball Dreams, Welcome to Respite and, during Immersive X 2025, Uncanny Alley: A New Day. They're always thought-provoking as well as entertaining, even as they manage not to take themselves too seriously.

Huge congratulations to Deirdre, Steve, Color, Whitten and all the other gifted creators who are giving live performance some exciting new VR dimensions!

And, a couple of notes:

If you'd like to see Uncanny Alley: A New Day (and you should), here's the link for information;

Ferryman Collective is now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit! So if you'd like to support them AND have a tax deduction, you can! Here's the link for information.

Now, the sobering news...

Last week, like many others who have enjoyed their service, I was shocked and sorry to read of the dissolution of the ENGAGE XR platform, following a major client's failure to renew their contract.

Importantly, ENGAGE XR is NOT closed down at this point. Meetings are still happening in virtual space, and no one has much information, as yet, if or when the platform will close.

ENGAGE XR has always been a favorite immersive platform for me. Chris has graciously granted me several interviews, and I love the ease of access and sheer inventiveness of the platform. Video, interactive mazes, escape rooms, meetups and classes have all been among the experiences they've hosted.

Favorites among their speakers are (of course) Africa VR Campus and Center, which hosts "Tales From Africa", introducing visitors to African music, culture and experiences every Thursday; author Helen Lundstrom Erwin, who hosts The Foremothers Cafe, every Thursday, for "fika", which is a Swedish word for "coffee and something sweet to eat with friends", and who hosts an incredible special event, honoring our foremothers, every November 30th; and Educators in VR, for their weekly news roundups on XR and education. I've included links for each here.

Like many others, I'm hoping the ENGAGE XR platform finds a way to continue and move forward. Lots of good wishes to Chris, Dave and their team at what has to be a confusing and heartbreaking chapter in their journey.

See you next week!