UC Spark

Dr Ryan Michael Reynolds

School of Theatre and Film Studies

Fields of Research

  • Political theatre and the politics of theatre
  • Creative-led urban regeneration; interventions in public space
  • The intersection and overlap of theatre studies, film studies and performance studies
  • Intermedial Design; Performance & technology
  • Performance and Architecture
  • The performance of and in the New Zealand landscape

Researcher Summary

-Co-founder & Chair, Gap Filler Trust
-Strategic Advisor, Life in Vacant Spaces
-Board, NZ Federation of Film Societies
-Head, Publications&Research, Intl Federation of Film Societies
-Trustee, NZ Film Festival
-Officer, Free Theatre

My most prolific research is as an experimental Intermedial Designer. For years I have been testing ways actors can relate to a mediated environment – as designer, actor & theorist.  My design work led to the recent I Sing the Body Electric, where I created six interactive performance environments using motion tracking cameras, body sensors, multiple video projections, live soundscape & more - collaborating with HITLabNZ.

I also investigate creative-led urban development, where the fields of Performance Studies & Urban Design / Architecture intersect. I co-founded Gap Filler, which has created 25+ major public interventions to date, attracted significant external funding, collaborated with local, nat'l & int'l arts, culture, community & civic organisations, & is still growing rapidly, experimenting with the performance of, & in, public space in Chch.

I also explore the intersection of film & performance studies, analysing the tourism surrounding major event films & non-traditional film exhibition practices, which I foster through my executive positions on local, nat'l & int'l film society & festival boards.

All of this research builds upon my PhD thesis & book, which propose a radical new theory of political theatre & action.

Subject Area: Disciplines

Research Groups

Key Methodologies

  • Theory and Practice!

Equipment

Prizes and Awards

  • Christchurch Earthquake Award (to Gap Filler Trust) (2012)
  • Commendation for Social Innovation, NZ Sustainable Business Awards (to Gap Filler Trust). (2012)
  • Nominee, University of Canterbury Innovation Medal. (2012)
  • Nominee, University of Canterbury Students Association (UCSA) Lecturer of the Year. (2012)
  • Tertiary Education Union (TEU) National Award of Excellence for Professional Integrity. (2012)
  • The Press citation for Best Theatre of 2012 (to Free Theatre for I Sing the Body Electric) (2012)
  • Award from The Listener (2011)
  • Christchurch Civic Trust Award (2011)
  • Nomination, Most Original Production of the Year (Faust Chroma) - Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards (2009)
  • Winner, Best Production Design (Faust Chroma) - Wellington Fringe Festival (2009)
  • Winner, Best Theatre (Ella & Susn) - Dunedin Fringe Festival (2009)
  • Nomination, Best Production Design (Faust Chroma) - Dunedin Fringe Festival (2008)
  • Winner, Best Theatre (Faust Chroma) - Dunedin Fringe Festival (2008)
  • Vice Chancellor's General Staff Development Award (2007)

Research Service

  • Board member, Human Interface Technology Laboratory (HIT Lab NZ) Board of Studies. (2012-present)
  • Hosted Marcus Westbury visit (2011)
  • The Passion of Joan of Arc live music film screening (2011)
  • 3rd World Conference of Film Societies and the International Federation of Film Societies General Assembly in Recife, Brazil (2010)
  • Founder and Chair, Gap Filler Charitable Trust (2010-present)
  • Organiser - Norman McLaren and Len Lye Film Series (2010)
  • Shirley Horrocks Film Series (2010)
  • Canterbury Fellow - Lech Majewski (2009)
  • Management Committee Member - New Zealand Federation of Film Societies (2005-present)
  • President, Canterbury Film Society (2003-present)
  • Free Theatre Christchurch (2001-present)

Publications


  • Reynolds, R.M. (2012) Desire for the Gap. Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia: Australasian Association for Theatre, Drama and Performance Studies (ADSA) Conference, 3-6 Jul 2012. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Reynolds, R.M. (2012) Desire for the Gap: Space, Time and Ideology. Christchurch, New Zealand: Platform Arts Festival, 2 Oct 2012. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Reynolds, R.M. and Winn, C.D. (2012) Gap Filler - DIY Urbanism and Regeneration in Post-Quake Christchurch, New Zealand. Berlin, Germany: BMW Guggenheim Lab Marathon of Transformation, 30 Jun 2012. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Reynolds, R.M. (2012) Hereafter, by Werner Fritsch. Translated, adapted and directed by Peter Falkenberg. Free Theatre. Performed at Temple Gallery, Dunedin, New Zealand, 21-23 Mar 2012. Intermedial designer, multimedia live performance. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R.M. (2012) Hereafter, by Werner Fritsch. Translated, adapted and directed by Peter Falkenberg. Free Theatre. Performed at the Woolston Tannery, Christchurch, New Zealand, 22 Feb-3 Mar 2012. Intermedial designer, multimedia live performance. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R.M. (Intermedial Designer). (2012) I sing the body electric. Devised and directed by Peter Falkenberg. The Free Theatre at the Jack Mann Auditorium, Christchurch, New Zealand, 19 Jun-1 Jul 2012. Live Performance with Interactive Intermedial Technologies. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R.M. (2012) Jacques Tati: Film and Architecture. Playtime! A Gap Filler temporary cinema: 29 Mar 2012. (Oral Presentation)
  • Reynolds, R.M., Winn, C.D., Jerram, S., Amery, M. and Trubridge, S. (2012) Making Dreams Reality - A presentation by three temporary public art creators: Letting Space, Performance Arcade and Gap Filler. Adam Auditorium, City Gallery Wellington, New Zealand: 16 Nov 2012. (Oral Presentation)
  • Reynolds, R.M. (2012) The Adolescent City. Christchurch, New Zealand: TEDxEQChCh 2012: Uncontained, 1 Sep 2012. (Conference Contribution - Oral presentation)
  • Reynolds, R.M. (2012) Tools for the Transitional City. Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, New Zealand: Christchurch Art Gallery Outer Spaces Public Programme, May 2012. (Oral Presentation)
  • Winn, C. and Reynolds, R. (2011) Berlin viewed through Christchurch-coloured glasses. Art News New Zealand 31(4): 110-113. (Journal Article)
  • Reynolds, R. (2011) Earthquake in Chile, directed by Peter Falkenberg and Richard Gough. Body Festival, Christchurch, New Zealand, 13-16 Oct 2011. [Sound Designer, Actor]. (Performance)
  • Reynolds, R. and Winn, C. (2011) Life in Vacant Spaces. Christchurch City Council. 59pp. (Report for External Body)
  • Reynolds, R. (Intermedial designer). (2011) Passion, Pulse and Power. Devised and directed by Peter Falkenberg. Free Theatre at the Jack Mann Auditorium, Christchurch, New Zealand: 8-10 Dec 2011. (Design Output)
  • Reddington, C. and Reynolds, R.M. (2011) The Passion of Joan of Arc. St Andrew's at Rangi Ruru Presbyterian Church, Christchurch, New Zealand, 19-20 Aug 2011. [Live music film screening. Producer and performer]. (Performance)
  • Reynolds, R. (Designer). (2011) Think Differently Book Exchange. Public Installation, Corner Barbadoes and Kilmore Streets, Christchurch, New Zealand. 17 Jul 2011-present. Commissioned by Gap Filler. (Artefact/Object)
  • Reynolds, R. (2011) Transforming Gaps: Problems of creating community (and form) in post-quake Christchurch. Melbourne, Australia: Transcultural, Transnational, Transformation. Australasian Association for Theatre Drama and Performance Studies (ADSA), 30 Jun-3 Jul 2011. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Boldt, L., Bond, G., Johnston, E., McCurdy, M., Parker, G., Reddington, C., Reynolds, R. and Troon, S. (2010) Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. Directed by Peter Falkenberg. Free Theatre at the University Theatre, The Arts Centre, Platform Festival, Christchurch, New Zealand, 20-29 May 2010. [Performers]. (Performance)
  • Reynolds, R. (2010) Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. Directed by Peter Falkenberg. Free Theatre at the University Theatre, The Arts Centre, Platform Festival, Christchurch, New Zealand: 20-29 May 2010. Intermedial Designer. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2010) Distraction Camp, directed by Peter Falkenberg. BATS Theatre, Wellington, 31 Aug-11 Sep 2010. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Boldt, L., Bond, G., Johnston, E., Parker, G., Troon, S., McCurdy, M., Reddington, C. and Reynolds, R. (2010) Distraction Camp. Devised and directed by Peter Falkenberg. BATS Theatre, Wellington, New Zealand, 31 Aug-11 Sep 2010. [Performers]. (Performance)
  • Reynolds, R. (2010) The Marvellous Corricks, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Collaboration with New Zealand Film Archive. Great Hall, The Arts Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 16 Apr 2010. [Narrator, film director]. (Performance)
  • Reynolds, R. (2010) The Marvellous Corricks, New Zealand International Film Festival. Soundings Theatre, Te Papa, Wellington, New Zealand, 18 Jul 2010. [Co-director with C. Reddington, narrator]. (Performance)
  • Reynolds, R. (2010) The Marvellous Corricks. New Zealand International Film Festival. Century Cinema, Napier, New Zealand, 22 Aug 2010. [Co-director with C. Reddington, narrator]. (Performance)
  • Reynolds, R. and Reddington, C. (2009) Charlie Chaplin Shorts. Rialto Cinemas, 7 Sep 2009. [Producer]. (Performance)
  • Reynolds, R. (2009) Distraction Camp, directed by Peter Falkenberg. University Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand Nov/Dec 2009. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, Ryan (Intermedial Designer). (2009) Ella & Susn. University Theatre. Christchurch. Directed by Peter Falkenberg. March 2009.. Live Intermedial Performance. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2009) Ella; Susn, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Globe Theatre, Dunedin Fringe Festival, Apr 2009. Intermedial designer. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2009) Faust Chroma, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Centrepoint Theatre, Palmerston North, New Zealand, 18-21 Feb 2009. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2009) Faust Chroma, directed by Peter Falkenberg. University Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, Feb 2009. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2009) Faust Chroma, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Wellington Fringe Festival, Gryphon Theatre, Wellington, New Zealand, 11-14 Feb 2009. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2009) New Zealand film location tourism as a form of neo-colonisation. University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand: The New Exotic? Postcolonialism and Globalization Conference, 24-26 Jun 2009. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Reynolds, R. (2009) Remake, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Christchurch Free Theatre. [Digital video. Editor and actor]. 153 minutes. (Film/Video)
  • Reynolds, R. (2008) Authentic Karaoke. Dunedin, New Zealand: Australasian Association for Theatre, Drama and Performance Studies Annual Conference 2008 (ADSA), 30 Jun-3 Jul 2008. (Conference Contribution - Full conference paper)
  • Reynolds, R. (2008) Enigma Emmy Göring, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Nibelheim, Christchurch, New Zealand, 26 Mar-2 Apr 2008. Intermedial Designer. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2008) Faust Chroma, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Dunedin Fringe Festival, Mary Hopewell Theatre, Dunedin, New Zealand, 7-10 Apr 2008. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2008) Faust Chroma, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Part of Fritsch Fest, University Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, Mar 2008. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2008) Faust Chroma, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Platform Arts Festival, Christchurch, New Zealand, 23-31 May 2008. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2008) Moving Targets: Political Theatre in a Post-political Age. Saarbrücken: VDM Verlag. 205pp. (Authored Book)
  • Reynolds, R. (2008) Nico Sphinx of Ice, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Nibelheim, Arts Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 26 Mar-4 Apr 2008. [Video projections, guitar]. (Performance)
  • Reynolds, R. (2008) Nico Sphinx of Ice, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Media Club, Christchurch, New Zealand, 21 Nov 2008. Video projections, guitar. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2008) There and Back Again, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Old Queen's Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, Oct 2008. Interactive Theatre Set, Sound Effects, Lighting. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R., Bial, H. and Keramidas, K. (2008) Tourist Encounters. In S. Cubitt, T. Jutel, B. King and H. Margolis (Ed.), Studying the Event Film: Lord of the Rings: 239-248. Manchester: Manchester University Press. (Chapter in Book)
  • Reynolds, R. (2007) Diana Down Under, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Nibelheim, Christchurch, New Zealand, 25 Aug-8 Sep 2007. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R. (2006) Fantasia, directed by Peter Falkenberg. Old Queen's Theatre, Christchurch, New Zealand, 23-26 Aug 2006. Intermedial designer, actor. (Design Output)
  • Reynolds, R.M. (2006) Moving Targets: Political Theatre in a Post-Political Age. PhD, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/898. (Thesis - Doctor of Philosophy)