strangers | Stand

Strangers

A LARP Experience

NOV 11

1 - 5 PM

Presentation House Theatre

This LARP was originally written for Funen Art Academy by Nina Runa Essendrop and Co-Produced by Blackout Art Society and Joel Grinke Experience Design.

Joel Grinke, Creative Director and Facilitator, and Christian Ching, Facilitator.

Experience “Strangers”, an immersive where you step into the world of refugees or their new neighbours. With no need for prior experience in performing or gaming, you'll collaboratively shape two unique societies, each with its own customs and language. Explore the challenges and emotions that arise when tragedy forces these cultures to intersect.

“Strangers”, is an emotional exploration of the refugee experience, cultural identity, and the shared humanity that connects us all.

Joel Grinke

I went to Disneyland, and it changed everything. That's what I wanted to do. I wanted to build experiences. I wanted to tell stories that people could affect, author, and experience in their own time.
I work with new technology, prototype software and hardware integrations while actively working to "hide the wires." I love to work with people and groups to help them share their stories uniquely and engagingly. I have a history of developing new storytelling experiences
by working with large and small teams. I've worked in all kinds of contexts, beginning when I graduated as an actor from theatre school, to working on visual standards in high-end retail, to getting my Bachelor of Performing Arts, majoring in design and storytelling, and continuing through today, working on museum and themed entertainment experiences spaces.
This passion, knowledge and expertise earned me a Jessie award for technology integration & visual design.

Christian Ching

Christian Ching is an emerging producer, lighting designer, scenographer, and technical director with a love for design and biology. He is a graduate of Simon Fraser University (2021) with a double degree in Theatre Production and Design and the Biological Sciences. Originally from the Philippines, he is currently based in the unceded Coast Salish territories of the xwməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwu 7mesh (Squamish), and
Səl̓í lwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations (also known as Vancouver). His practice aims to revolve around collaboration and the consideration of ecological aspects of design. He likes to run RPGs, draw, and make music in his free time.

Emily Brown

Emily is a North Vancouver-based Director, Arts Administrator and Actor. Emily has a Bachelor’s degree in acting from the University of Wales and a Diploma in Arts and Entertainment Management from Capilano University. As an Arts Administrator, Emily has worked with companies including The Arts Club and Bad Hats Theatre and works for Presentation House Theatre as their Company and Box Office Manager. Emily has directed numerous shows in the Vancouver theatre community and enjoys exploring the connection of music to live performances and interactive and immersive theatre.