Session 1: 24.10 & 25.10.2026, 11-18 h, room 340, Bundesallee 1-12
Session 2 : 7.11 & 8.11.2026, 11-18 h, time and location tba
Public Showcase: 7.11. & 8.11.2026, time and location tba
DIY Performative Systems - Light, Sound, Objects, and Interactive Scenography
Workshop 2: Wireless MIDI and lnteractive Systems
Led by Thomas Geissl, this workshop introduces the rapid prototyping of custom MIDI controllers and MIDl-to-actuator devices using the Enomik Toolkit, based on ESP-NOW MIDI. Participants use ESP-based microcontrollers and common sensors to translate gesture, touch, and environmental input into MIDI messages for software environments such as DAWs and Pure Data.
In the opposite direction, incoming MIDI data is used to control physical outputs including LEDs, vibration motors, and resonant electroacoustic objects. This allows participants to create systems in which performed or sequenced MIDI material produces light, movement, vibration, and sound. The system is designed to be accessible: it uses off-the-shelf components, requires no soldering, and can be configured through a browser without writing firmware. Through individual and collaborative experiments, participants develop wireless and distributed interactive systems that can be further used in artistic practice
About
This interdisciplinary workshop series, developed collaboratively between composition and stage design, explores performative systems in which sound, light, sensors, objects, instruments, and electronic media are approached as active spatial and performative elements. Through collaborative experimentation, participants develop small-scale interactive environments combining electronics, sound, light, and scenographic interaction within concert, theatrical, and installation contexts.
The workshop series is structured around four interconnected areas: Kinetic Sound, Wireless MIDI and lnteractive Systems, Light, Stage, and Spatial lnteraction, and Electronic Scenography. Participants experiment with motordriven sounding objects, sensor-based interaction, responsive lighting systems, electronic stage environments, and the extension of instruments through electronics and kinetic systems.
The workshops combine artist-led sessions, collaborative lab formats, peer learning, and independent experimentation. Technical knowledge is taught through hands-on practice, and no prior technical experience is required. Participants are encouraged to develop individual or collaborative performative systems according to their own artistic interests and disciplinary backgrounds.
Li He & Soli Jang & Hye Young Sin & Thomas Geissl & Jose del Avellanal Carreño
MA Komposition & MA Bühnenbild
Registration via email at li.he@stud.hfm-berlin.de.
The number of participants is limited to 15 per workshop, and advance registration is required.
Further information: DIY Performative Systems - Light, Sound, Objects, and Interactive Scenography – Universität der Künste Berlin
Workshop-Reihe im Rahmen von INTER (Interdisciplinary Navigation and Transformation as Educational Reform), gefördert von der Stiftung Innovation in der Hochschullehre.
