In this Virtual Huddle we’ll explore the creative journey behind Tea Party at the End of the World, following its evolution from an artist residency in the Arctic Circle through multiple stages of development to its successful, frequently sold-out runs in 2026. The talk will delve into immersive design methodologies, sharing practical examples and insights into the iterative creative process. Jessica will explore how complex themes such as grief and eco-anxiety can be transformed into playful, participatory experiences that are both emotionally resonant and deeply moving, with opportunities for interactive experiments and discussion throughout the session.

About the Speaker
Jessica Creane is an award-winning Theatrical and Immersive Experience Designer and Creative Director of IKantKoan Play/s Game and Production Studio. Projects frequently explore complex subject matter in a genuinely playful way and range from live, Immersive and interactive performances, including Chaos Theory, Know Thyself, Fair Trade (with Yannick Trapman-O’Brien), and Tea Party at the End of the World, to the publication of cooperative tabletop games based on philosophical thought experiments, notably the 7-game Age of Enlightenment series.

Her work has been presented by ArsNova, HERE Arts, Fastaval, SXSW, Tanween Creativity Festival, Amos Eno Gallery, and La Jolla Playhouse. Jessica has spoken at The World Economic Forum DQ Symposium on Xr+ (NYC), Next Stage Immersive Summit (L.A.), GDC (San Fransisco), Beyond Opera (Helsinki), TEDx, and Games for Change (NYC), and been featured by The New Times, Imaginary Worlds, and on KQED San Fransisco, among others.

She is a 2022 Arctic Circle Artist-in-Residence and has worked in partnership with The National Parks Service, with Princeton’s High Meadows Institute, and as a contributing author to The Existential Toolkit for Climate Justice Educators: How to Teach in a Burning World. Jessica serves on the Board of Directors for Pig Iron Theater Company and holds an MFA in Devised, Physical, Ensemble Theater. She is a Professor of Game Design at Drexel University and frequent Creative Consultant and artistic freelancer.