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Ruth Mariner

ABOUT 

I'm a creative director and narrative designer, creating story-driven immersive experiences across immersive theatre, arts & culture, and immersive & interactive technology (XR, LBE, Video games), 

I'm drawn to bold concepts blending narrative with other media (story, space, sound, technology, performance, gameplay) to amplify what each form does best, and create something that is more than the sum of its parts.

Recent projects include narrative design on an unannounced mixed reality title at Damp Gnat Ltd; Creative Director of Shapeshifter, a narrative-led VR LBE experience using live motion capture, developed with XR Stories and funded by Arts Council England; and Creative Director of I Am Your Mirror, an interactive installation using creative technology and movement to activate social connection, also funded by Arts Council England. As District Narrative Designer at Boomtown Festival, I support delivery of interactive narrative content across one of the UK's largest theatrically-led immersive festivals.

 

Current projects include Mystis, a VR storytelling piece that reached the final round at the Immersive Cinema College at Venice Biennale, and an immersive concert for the BBC.

 

My background is as an award-winning writer and director in opera and immersive theatre. Career highlights include Creative Director of the BBC Dream Prom, as well as writing & directing roles for Royal Academy of Music, The Royal Opera House & English National Opera.

 

I have created immersive and interactive experiences for museums including The Museum of London, The Eden Project & British Red Cross. My projects have been featured on BBC Radio 3, ITV and Channel 4 news

 

 I am also recipient of a research grant to better understand mass audience agency in shared live experiences, funded by Arts Council England.

Currently seeking Creative Director and Narrative Designer roles at immersive studios working across theatre, arts & culture, XR, LBE and brand.

★★★★★ "A remarkable new work." — The Telegraph

★★★★★ "A work of art." — Fringe Opera

“A multidisciplinarian, visionary, tour de force!” 
— Exeunt Magazine 

“Plenty of originality.” — Opera Magazine 
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SERVICES

  • Creative Direction

  • Narrative Design & Interactive Writing

  • Mixed Reality & Spatial Storytelling

  • Scriptwriting & Editing

  • Story Consultation

  • Directing Actors, VO, Mocap & Performance Capture

  • Managing 3D Content Creation & Real-Time Workflows

  • Grant Writing & Fundraising Strategy

  • Production & Project Management

  • Concept Development & Pitching

     

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Translating creative concepts across specialisms and sectors

  • Designing for mass audiences in shared physical spaces

  • Bridging live performance and interactive technology

  • Deep understanding of embodiment, presence & immersion in interactive media

AWARDS

  • Neue Kultur Stipendium — Akademie Der Künste, Berlin (2021)

  • Develop Your Creative Practice Award — Arts Council England (2021 & 2026)

  • "Best Opera" — Youth Audiences Music Award (2018); Nominated (2020)

  • Foundation Award — International Opera Awards (2017/18)

  • Creative Entrepreneurship Award — Amati Global Investors (2017)

  • Stephen Oliver Award — Stephen Oliver Foundation (2017)

Contact

Get in Touch

If you're working on something that needs a strong narrative spine —whether that's a new experience, a pitch, a concept that isn't quite landing — I'd love to hear about it.

Book a free 30-minute Consultation here →

+44 7531812930

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© Ruth Mariner 2026

Mariner Studios Ltd (Company No. 16261608) is a company registered in England & Wales.

Registered office: 17 Elizabeth Avenue, BH23 2DN

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