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Theatre in the Loop: A Rehearsal-Based Method for Shaping Expressive Robot Behaviour
Organisers: Ayse Kucukyilmaz, Victor Ngo, Pavlos Panagiotidis, Sean Myatt, Simon Castle-Green, Dominic Price, John Kiran, Jocelyn Spence & Anthony Woods
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Workshop Feedback Google Drive
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Overview
Overview
Theatre in the Loop is a hands-on HRI workshop led by researchers from the University of Nottingham, introducing a rehearsal-based method for designing expressive robot behaviour. Drawing on puppetry, directing, and dramaturgical techniques, participants explore robots as social performers rather than purely functional systems. Through embodied manipulation of mock robots and transfer to real robotic platforms, attendees co-create and analyse expressive movements, scenes, and interaction dynamics. The workshop offers HRI researchers practical tools and conceptual frameworks for studying robot expressivity, intelligibility, and embodied interaction.
Theatre in the Loop is a hands-on HRI workshop led by researchers from the University of Nottingham, introducing a rehearsal-based method for designing expressive robot behaviour. Drawing on puppetry, directing, and dramaturgical techniques, participants explore robots as social performers rather than purely functional systems. Through embodied manipulation of mock robots and transfer to real robotic platforms, attendees co-create and analyse expressive movements, scenes, and interaction dynamics. The workshop offers HRI researchers practical tools and conceptual frameworks for studying robot expressivity, intelligibility, and embodied interaction.
Our paper provides a detailed account of the workshop workflow, covering the use of embodied exploration, puppetry and directing techniques, iterative rehearsal, and the transfer of expressive movement studies onto real robotic systems.
Our paper provides a detailed account of the workshop workflow, covering the use of embodied exploration, puppetry and directing techniques, iterative rehearsal, and the transfer of expressive movement studies onto real robotic systems.
Registration Form
Registration Form
This form registers your interest in the Theatre in the Loop workshop at ICSR 2026, led by the University of Nottingham. The workshop explores rehearsal-based methods for designing expressive robot behaviour, combining HRI, robotics, and performance practices.
Due to limited capacity (approx. 20–25 participants), registrations will be used to form balanced groups across technical and creative backgrounds.
If you are thinking of not attending anymore, please reach out to victor.ngo@nottingham.ac.uk so we may offer this space to another person.
Click here to register: ICSR 2026 Workshop Registration – Theatre in the Loop – Fill out form
Supplementary Video 1.mp4 Why Attend?
Why Attend?
This workshop is designed for researchers and practitioners interested in:
This workshop is designed for researchers and practitioners interested in:
Expressive and social robot behaviour
Embodied and performative approaches to HRI
Motion design and robot intelligibility
Creative robotics and interdisciplinary methods
Participants will gain:
Participants will gain:
A practical methodology for designing expressive robot behaviour
Hands-on experience with embodied movement exploration
Insight into translating human movement into robotic systems
Exposure to theatrical frameworks applicable to HRI research
Location: Workshop Room 2
Location: Workshop Room 2
Venue: University of London, London, UK
Venue: University of London, London, UK
Date: 2nd July 2026
Date: 2nd July 2026
Time: 09:00 - 12:00
Time: 09:00 - 12:00
Notice: Places may be limited (approx. 20–25 participants) to ensure access to robotic platforms.
Notice: Places may be limited (approx. 20–25 participants) to ensure access to robotic platforms.
Links
Links
This workshop builds on ongoing research at the University of Nottingham. You can explore related projects and updates via the School of Computer Science and Mixed Reality Lab websites, as well as through our LinkedIn and social media channels.
Somabotics: https://www.somabotics.ac.uk/
Cobot Maker Space: https://cobotmakerspace.org/
Mixed Reality Lab: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/research/groups/mixedrealitylab/
Please contact Victor Zhi Heung Ngo for any questions related to the workshop.
Please contact Victor Zhi Heung Ngo for any questions related to the workshop.
Meet the Team
Dr Ayse Kucukyilmaz
Dr Ayse Kucukyilmaz
Associate Professor of Robotics in the School of Computer Science at the University of Nottingham and the deputy director of the CHART research group. She leads research in human–robot interaction, shared autonomy, and expressive robotic behaviour. Her work spans teleoperation, embodied interaction, and creative robotics, with extensive experience running participatory workshops and practice-based research with artists and performers
Sean Myatt
Sean Myatt
Senior Lecturer in Theatre Design at Nottingham Trent University and specialist in puppetry, gesture, and scenographic performance. He contributes extensive practical knowledge of embodied manipulation and performer–object relationships.
Victor Zhi Heung Ngo
Victor Zhi Heung Ngo
Horizon CDT PhD researcher at the University of Nottingham specialising in performative human–robot interaction, creative robotics, and embodied approaches to expressive motion. His work integrates theatrical methods, gesture analysis, and real-time robotic control in interactive art installations.
Pavlos Panagiotidis
Pavlos Panagiotidis
Horizon CDT PhD researcher exploring how embodied performance practices can shape creative design processes involving emerging technologies. He brings expertise in theatre directing, embodied creative methods, and the collaborative design of interactive experiences.
Dr Jocelyn Spence
Dr Jocelyn Spence
Associate Senior Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham’s Mixed Reality Lab, specialising in artistically inspired interpersonal and mixed-reality experiences that create meaningful, transformational moments. Her work bridges performance, interaction design, and audience experience.
Dr Anthony Woods
Dr Anthony Woods
A recent doctoral graduate from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with ten years of professional acting experience across screen and stage. He is currently a visiting lecturer on several master’s programmes, specialising in embodied performance, acting methods, and creative practice.
Dominic Price
Dominic Price
Research Fellow in Computer Science at the University of Nottingham with 15 years’ experience in research software engineering for human–computer and human–robot interaction. He has worked across major UKRI initiatives including the Trustworthy Autonomous Systems Hub and Responsible AI UK, and manages the day-to-day operation of the Cobot Maker Space.
Simon Castle-Green
Simon Castle-Green
Senior Technical Specialist in the Cobot Maker Space and the School of Computer Science at the University of Nottingham. He supports robotics teaching and research, with interests in smart-sensing technologies for rehabilitation, robotic teleoperation, and mobile robotics.
John Kiran
John Kiran
Research Associate at the University of Nottingham with half a decade of experience in Computer Vision and Robotics. His research areas include teleoperation, adaptive control and learning from demonstration and he is currently working on user engagement estimation in human robot interaction.
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