Hannah-Louise Batt

Hannah is a multi-disciplinary technician, performer and dramaturg, whose work supports students looking to integrate technologies into their artistic practice.

Based in the Creative Tech Lab, they offer university-wide workshops spanning a wide range of skills, including projection mapping; physical computing using Arduino and Raspberry Pi; 3D scanning; augmented & virtual reality; and immersive lighting & sound design. With a background in performing arts, they also provide individual guidance for students working on specific projects, helping students explore the full creative potential of technology.

I’ve been working in theatre since I was 16 years old, when I found myself part of the Stage Management team for an interactive show hidden in an abandoned London office building. I saw audience members come out of their shells as they were invited to conduct orchestras, host radio shows – even to drive excavators! It was there that I first learned to take an audience-centric approach to my practice: a philosophy I still follow to this day.

Since then, I’ve provided technical and production support for all sorts of productions, from small performance art pieces to multi-event festivals. I studied for a BA in English Literature & Theatre Studies at the University of Warwick, then moved to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama for my MA in Advanced Theatre Practice.

I joined Norwich Theatre in 2021 as Digital Producer, where I offered practical and dramaturgical support to creatives on the Artist Development Programme, empowering them to use technology to tell their stories and engage audiences. I also offered consultation on equipment purchasing and budgeting, to help artists overcome the perceived cost barrier of making digital-led work.

I’m always excited to learn new things, and it’s made me a real jack-of-all trades: I have experience in most theatrical disciplines, as well as the creation of digital experiences using Unity, sound design for installations and headphone theatre, and projection mapping in Isadora, Madmapper and Resolume.

There’s nothing more fun than finding out the answer to something I don’t know, and it’s this enthusiasm for being curious that I want to place at the heart of the Creative Tech Lab. Even if you think your idea might be impossible, come and share it with me – I might just be able to prove you wrong!