Tyler Hanson: Shenanigans! The Art of Immersive Experience Design
Oct 2, 2023
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Tyler Hanson, the brain behind Kulturehaus, discusses the role of humor in immersive experience design. They explore the history of shenanigans from circus to Burning Man, and dissect an extraordinary shenanigan, the Chapel of the Golden Promise.
Shenanigans or immersive experience design has a rich historical evolution, influenced by the American circus, vaudeville, Dada, beatniks, and other artistic movements.
The design of immersive experiences should prioritize consent, creating a safe space for audience participation.
Successful shenanigans require compelling ideas, thoughtful scripting, attention to location and technology, and consideration of audience dynamics.
Deep dives
The Genesis of Shenanigans
The podcast episode explores the history and evolution of immersive experience design, referred to as shenanigans. It discusses how the American circus, vaudeville, Dada, beatniks, and other artistic movements paved the way for the current immersive experience design community. The episode emphasizes the role of artists in pushing boundaries and creating transformative experiences for audiences.
Creating the Chapel of the Golden Promise
The podcast delves into the design and execution of a specific immersive experience called the Chapel of the Golden Promise. It highlights the creative genius of Evan Wolferton, the creator of the chapel, and discusses the meticulous planning that went into the show. The interactive performance involved volunteers participating in a marriage ceremony, where they revealed toilets and peed while the audience watched. The episode emphasizes the importance of consent and creating a safe container for audience participation.
Key Ingredients for Successful Shenanigans
The podcast episode concludes with insights on the key ingredients for successful shenanigans. It highlights the importance of having a compelling idea or prompt, considering the location and technology needed to bring the experience to life, crafting a well-thought-out script or storyline, and considering the audience dynamics. The episode showcases the creativity and attention to detail required to design immersive experiences that engage and surprise participants.
The Origins of Burning Man and the Cacophony Society
The podcast episode delves into the history behind Burning Man and its connection to the Cacophony Society. The Cacophony Society, a group known for organizing unique and immersive experiences, played a significant role in inspiring the founding principles of Burning Man. They organized gatherings and events in the late 70s and early 80s that involved costumes, themed rendezvous points, and social commentary. Examples such as Santa Con, where people dressed as Santa distributed coal to challenge consumerism, showcased their anti-establishment and unconventional approach. Burning Man as we know it today started as a wooden structure burned on a beach in San Francisco, but the gatherings and creative chaos associated with the Cacophony Society, along with the desire for freedom of expression, led to the birth of Burning Man in the desert. The episode highlights the significance of this background in understanding the essence of Burning Man and its community-driven immersive experiences.
The Transformative Power of Shenanigans and the Importance of Community
The podcast explores the goals and impact of shenanigans and immersive experiences. Shenanigans are not solely about creating entertainment but also about challenging beliefs, pushing boundaries, and aiming for moments of transformation. Tyler, the guest on the podcast, emphasizes the desire to leave a lasting impact by making people think differently about the world and themselves. Through humor and relatability, shenanigans facilitate connections and shared experiences, bringing people together in a world that often lacks authenticity. Tyler believes that permission to break societal norms and explore unconventional ideas is essential for personal and collective growth. He mentions the importance of community and the power of connection, which shenanigans inherently foster. The podcast discusses the significance of experienced designers who curate and create these transformative and immersive experiences, ultimately offering unique opportunities for self-discovery and meaningful connections.
Today we dive deep into the magical world of shenanigans — or immersive experience design for the uninitiated — with our guest, Tyler Hanson, the brain behind Kulturehaus, a trailblazing agency for festival immersive imagineers.
On the show, we explore the crucial role of humor in human survival. We take a historical journey of immersive art from the circus to vaudeville to Dada, to beatniks and hippies, and all the way to the Cacophony Society and Burning Man. Tyler shares how he became a Possibility Artist and the creation of Kulturehaus. We close by dissecting an extraordinary shenanigan, the Chapel of the Golden Promise. Join us for this playful conversation as we uncover the key ingredients and ultimate goals of crafting shenanigans.
Tyler Hanson, a renowned cultural engineer and visionary, has dedicated two decades to orchestrating innovative projects worldwide, blending imagination and reality. He has been pivotal in the inception and success of numerous startups, art shows, festivals, and real estate ventures, earning recognition as a producer, creative director, curator, and advocate for transformative change. Tyler founded Kulturehaus, a groundbreaking consulting agency from 2008-2020, creating unparalleled art experiences by connecting pioneering artists and ideas with integrated live events.
