In 1994, a grant from HFCC’s Technology Investment Fund enabled virtual reality and 3D stereo to be utilized as multimedia teaching aids in HFCC Theater Arts classes. After experimenting with processes and techniques for approximately four years, the Virtual Theatricality Lab began production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The production attracted many students from diverse areas of the campus, including computer science and programming, music, dance, and art. The Tempest (2003) used 3D stereoscopic projection and real-time VR navigated scenery to give new life and meaning to Shakespeare’s classic and make it accessible to a new generation of theater-goers. The Tempest was a regional winner in The Kennedy Center’s American College Theater Festival. The Tempest was featured in many Michigan newspapers and on the Associated Press, including a 4 page feature article in the Detroit Free Press’ Sunday Entertainment Section.

The VTL received a grant of $115,000.00 from Henry Ford Community College’s Technology Investment Fund to produce The Skriker. The Skriker (2006) was the first full length theatrical production of a stage play to successfully combine real-time motion capture and 3D stereoscopic projection. The Skriker was featured in many Michigan newspapers and on the Associated Press, including articles in state and national entertainment magazines, such as Michigan Vue and Dramabiz. The Skriker was also the recipient of numerous awards and honors, among them: Winner, Best Innovation Team, Liberal Arts Network for Development, February, 2007; Critics Picks, Detroit Free Press, December 2006; Motion Capture Workshop, presented by invitation, The Kennedy Center's American College Theater Festival, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January, 2007; Dr. George Popovich listed in 2007 and 2008 editions of Who's Who In America for his work in digital theater development; Winner, League For Innovation In The Community College Award, 2007. Bellwether Award finalist, 2007. The Virtual Theatricality Lab was visited by Dr. Guangyao Bai, Vice President of The National Academy of Chinese Theater Arts in October 2007. The purpose of Dr. Bai’s visit was to determine how the technology of the VTL could be used in traditional Chinese opera.

In July, 2008, HFCC showed its continued support of The VTL by providing funds for The VTL to acquire a Vicon optical Motion Capture system for its next production, Dinosaurus.

As the artistic principles and performance methodologies of the VTL were developed, it became obvious that not only were the VTL’s endeavors setting new standards in theatrical performance but were actually teaching 21st century job skills as well. Because of this, a “Digital Theater” component was developed and added to the Henry Ford Community College Theater Program to combine the artistic and vocational aspects of this brand new art form of the 21st century.