IMMERSIVE VJ PERFORMANCE

From July 2 to August 6, 2025
5 online lessons at 3 hours in English Language via Zoom
& one in person showcase in Berlin.
Wednesdays, 5-8 PM, Berlin Time

Immersive Art Spaces

Immersive art spaces have been sprouting across the globe, establishing themselves as a novel platform for audiovisual media art. They have garnered immense popularity among diverse audiences, promising a fresh media encounter inspired by virtual worlds, projection mapping, and the iconic StarTrek holodeck. The spectrum ranges from innovative projects, spotlighting contemporary media art to hommages to artists long departed (a quick search of the multitude of immersive Van Gogh experiences illustrates this phenomenon). Many believe that the current juncture is pivotal for demonstrating the artistic value of this medium, transcending the mere exploitation for tourist attractions.

About the Course

In collaboration with Studio 1111, we have developed a course led by experience designer and NODE Institute co-founder Stefan Kraus (MXZEHN). This course not only provides participants with the opportunity to explore content creation for immersive spaces but also encourages them to develop live VJ performances for the main room at Studio 1111.

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This course will focus on exploring ideas and techniques for crafting compelling and unique live VJ performances tailored specifically for immersive spaces. A key challenge lies in understanding how the space and visual content interact during production, as well as optimizing generative content to be both captivating and performable at a smooth frame rate of at least 30 FPS during live, improvised performances synced with the club’s top DJ artists.

To tackle these challenges, we will utilize a 3D simulation of the venue to preview our work. With the simulation in place, we will delve into various content creation approaches, ranging from generative, audio-driven content in TouchDesigner to pre-rendered 2D and 3D loops from software such as After Effects, Cinema4D, Blender, or any tool participants are comfortable with.

3D Simulation

3D Simulation

3D Simulation

We will explore how audio analysis can be used to create and manipulate generative content, allowing flexibility for the VJ to perform alongside the DJ rather than being confined to a rigid rhythm. Additionally, we will learn techniques for creating and rendering high-resolution scenes at relevant frame rates, as well as how to optimize scenes for performance constraints. We’ll also cover creating loops in TouchDesigner that can be used with Resolume or any other VJ software, granting creative freedom while composing and mixing to the beat.

Discussion topics will include the role of a VJ within the social and cultural framework of a club night, and how visual performance can both enhance and diminish audience experiences. Participants will be guided to develop their own style and production workflow for creating unique and relevant visuals for live sets, as well as how to effectively think about and communicate their creations.

Although this course assumes participants have a foundational understanding of TouchDesigner, it’s important to note that the creative process of content production transcends the boundaries of any single tool. Under the expert guidance of Stefan Kraus, attendees will embark on a journey to create a concise audiovisual composition through iterative steps. The ultimate showcase will feature input and critique from the NODE Institute and Studio 1111 team members, the participants of the fullDome Masterclass and the local NODE community.

Studio 1111 Berlin is a hybrid venue that integrates immersion as a key element for a unique, art-centered clubbing experience in the heart of Berlin. The minimalist design of this space features a central bar surrounded by 270° floor-to-ceiling projections, inviting guests to enjoy a drink at the bar, dance on the floor, and, above all, connect with other art enthusiasts to forge meaningful relationships.

The main room panorama is illuminated by 10 seamlessly blended laser projectors, delivering an impressive resolution of 16,568 pixels by 1200 pixels at 60 Hz. To facilitate the playback and performance of content on this sophisticated surface, the Berlin-based design studio flora&faunavisions was tasked with developing a cutting-edge real-time performance system in TouchDesigner, as well as an intuitive VJ implementation with Resolume.

To explore the capabilities of this canvas and the spatial configuration of the club, flora&faunavisions has created a 3D simulation of the main room, allowing for content simulation in TouchDesigner and rendering pre-visualizations in any 3D authoring software available.

It goes without saying that the club boasts an exceptional sound system, developed with the assistance of members Spatial Media Lab e.V., to deliver an awe-inspiring audio experience utilizing over 39 speakers throuout the venue.

What people say about our Masterclasses:

Before the Creative Masterclass, I was producing a lot of visuals but couldn’t get them “out of my laptop” and didn’t have the tools to face the challenges of the physical world, or of a finished production. The course gave me the knowledge and tools to master the requirements of a lot of situations, while also allowing me to meet a lot of diverse professional creatives with whom I bonded and created strong connections.

MechBullRodeoCreative Technologist, Italy

I needed a creative challenge to refresh my rusty TouchDesigner skills and push my artistic growth. During the course, I developed a personal project with very supportive and kind guidance, gained a unique perspective of what a live performance experience can be, and connected with an inspiring global community. I took a leap of faith and flew from Mexico City to Berlin, stepping into a cutting-edge venue for real-time visuals that felt both challenging and supportive. Afterwards, my confidence and creative voice grew, helping me make a name for myself in the immersive scene as an independent artist.

Javier MartínezImmersive Designer, Mexico

I started with TouchDesigner as a complete beginner and was looking for structured learning and exchange. The Node Institute offered a great mix of professional input, hands-on practice, and community. The masterclasses helped me build solid skills and gain new perspectives. I also connected with other artists and joined an inspiring network. What stood out was how supportive the teachers were, always taking time for questions and offering help when needed. It’s a space that encourages learning and growth, both artistically and professionally.

Christina GergMedia Artist, Germany

There was a time before and after the Node Institute! At first, I often felt lost trying to bring my ideas to life for immersive spaces. The Masterclass really helped me make sense of it all — connecting creative thinking with the technical side in a way that finally clicked. Coming from a timeline based motion design world, it helped me to switch my way of thinking to add a touch of computational and generative design. It allowed me not only to expand my creative toolkit but also to land exciting new projects in the entertainment industry.

Nicolas LandrieuxArt Director, Germany

What if you can not attend the Showcase in Berlin, Germany?

We are aware that most participants do not live in Germany, and some of you may not be able to attend the screening in person. For those participants, we will document their showcase in 360° video. We will also encourage other participants to shoot pictures and videos, so remote participants can get a multifaceted impression of how the content felt “in real life” and use the material for their portfolios.

Requirements

This module is made for participants, who have a basic understanding of TouchDesigner, but do not need any experience with shader languages. If you just getting started, please visit our Beginners Course first.
It is further recommended to familiarize yourself with the free 3D software Blender and have at least a demo version of Adobe After Effects and Photoshop (or similar) at hands.

• A recent PC or MAC Computer (discrete GPU recommended) with stable internet connection
• The latest build of TouchDesigner installed
• Zoom Client installed (please test your audio setup beforehand), wired internet is recommended
• 3-Button Mouse recommended

About the Instructor

http://www.mxzehn.de

The Berlin based media artist and educator, Stefan Kraus, is co-founder of the creative coding education hub, The NODE Institute, the projection mapping festival, Genius Loci Weimar, and the media art studio, MXZEHN. Trained as an architect, Stefan explores the augmentation of physical structures using interactive and generative media and the narrative potential of abstract imagery. He holds a special interest in the art of live visual improvisation and creates augmented scenographies for theater, dance and music performances. After teaching Interaction Design at Bauhaus-University Weimar for over two decades, Stefan now enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with the creative coding community. His studio produces interactive installations, live media performances and augmented reality applications for commercial clients, festivals, institutions and exhibitions.

Flexible Pricing

As with all our courses, we offer three pricing categories to accommodate the different economic value this course can have to different participants. Be fair and respect our work and the instructors by doing the right thing! Assess your situation and choose which ticket is right for you.

– Student & Hobbyist
You are currently studying or want to learn TouchDesigner for personal reasons that are not related to your source of income.

– Professional
You are working professionally as a self employed or freelancing person and want to learn TouchDesigner to advance your career and win new customers by expanding your skills.
Maybe you work as an employee in another field, but want to qualify yourself for new challenges, yet your company is not supporting you on this path.

– Company
You are employed with or are running a company that will leverage the new skills acquired in their work with clients. You want to further qualify your employees and support them on their learning path.

These prices include German VAT (19% ).
Depending on your country of residence you may have to pay a different or no VAT.
You will see your individual price on check out.