about the mechanical theatre

The object of the Mechanical Theatre is to communicate complex science issues in a humorous and engaging way.

Engineered Arts' Mechanical Theatre developed from Will Jackson's previous work which used automated characters and objects in a theatrical context.

The 'Plant Takeaway' exhibit, designed and built with Paul Spooner, featured life size wood characters in a five minute show and is still available to see at the Eden Project.

In 2002 a collaboration between Tim Hunkin and Will Jackson entitled 'Science in the Dock' was a 25 minute show on science ethics at Glasgow Science Centre and combined automated characters with video and animation.

The Mechanical Theatre can be tailor made to suit your venue. Engineered Arts will help you develop ideas from an outline concept through to a script and storyboard. Once the script is agreed, animation, animatronics, voice artists and music is coordinated to complete the show. A skilled team of artists, automata makers, computer animators, electrical and mechanical engineers, composers, script writers and voice-over artists work on the development of this stunning exhibit.

Behind the life-sized robotic automaton characters, a unique animated backdrop is created using stop frame and computer animation, watercolour paintings and props help to create rich visual effect.

Mechanical Theatre is designed to be modular. All the animatronics, projected backdrop and sound are controlled via one integrated system, and the robot character heads and costumes are interchangeable. To change over shows is as straightforward as possible.