Institute for Interactive Performance Announces Opening

WINCHESTER, Va. - July 13, 2016 - PRLog -- The Institute for Interactive Performance, a female owned and led corporation in strategic partnership with Shenandoah Conservatory and funded by Lineage Media and Solutions, recently announced its management team and the opening of their new offices in downtown Winchester.

A global home for research and practical application of interactive performance for new arenas and emerging media platforms, the Institute for Interactive Performance will nurture this growing community by creating a marketplace that provides visibility, connectivity, professional credibility, certified training, and industry resources.

Heading the team is the President and Executive Director, Joanne Ruscella and Founder James Ruscella. Joanne was previously the Associate Director of Education for Studio 52/Flat Rock Playhouse, the State Theatre of North Carolina, and Production Manager for Ed McMahon's Next Big Star. James Ruscella is the Director of the Acting Program for Shenandoah Conservatory, Shenandoah University, as well as a professional actor, director, and producer in both the film and theatrical industries. In addition, they are joined by Sally Anderson, Simulation Coordinator, and Joachim Schirmacher, Head of Research and Development. Anderson and Schirmacher both serve as faculty for Shenandoah Conservatory as well.

Joanne Ruscella stated, "I am extremely excited to lead the Institute as it seeks to nurture the emergent art form of interactive performance which places the audience member inside of the performance experience. It's implications in entertainment and simulation training are burgeoning throughout the country and the rest of the world. The institute is intended to assist the success of these cutting edge artists by creating an interface with related industry partners."

"I'm delighted to be supporting the Institute for Interactive Performance and its relationship with Shenandoah Conservatory," stated Michael Stepniak, Dean of Shenandoah Conservatory, Shenandoah University. "Joanne and JJ's work in developing the Institute promises to impact the fields of simulation and theatrical work.  And so importantly, it promises to provide Shenandoah Conservatory theatre students with access to exceptional and cutting-edge emergent theatrical work experience."

The Institute is located on Shenandoah University property at 21 South Kent Street, Suite 202, Winchester, VA.

Lineage Media and Solutions develops creative, technology-forward solutions for growing businesses. Headquartered in Seattle, Wash., Lineage offers business services, software development and media production with a focus on 360-degree video, virtual reality, and augmented reality. http://www.lineage.solutions/

Founded in 1875, Shenandoah Conservatory has an extraordinary legacy of shaping the arts in Virginia and beyond. Located at the head of the beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, VA, the Conservatory is now home to over 700 students from across the nation and globe enrolled in baccalaureate, masters and doctoral curricula in the areas of music, theater, and dance, and includes a distinguished faculty of over 125, half of whom are full-time.  Based on the main campus of Shenandoah University, the Conservatory is within easy driving distance of Washington, DC and is easily accessible internationally via Dulles International Airport. Shenandoah University is a diverse institution of approximately 3,600 students enrolled in baccalaureate, masters and doctoral curricula in business, arts and sciences, health professions and performing arts. www.su.edu/conservatory