Avatar Advancements - The New Frontier Of Live Performance

Watch on demand: Could digital avatars open up a new frontier for live music and entertainment?

In this PLASA Show 2026 panel discussion, presented in collaboration with LSi, specialists from Unit 1 Studio, Brompton Technology and ROE Visual reveal how advances in virtual production and stage technology are making increasingly realistic avatar concerts possible.

Using an innovative digital performance by KT Tunstall as a case study, the panel explores how motion capture, Unreal Engine, high-resolution LED displays and traditional stagecraft can combine to create the illusion of a real artist performing in an intimate venue.

From recreating accurate lighting and skin tones to managing sightlines and seamlessly blending physical and virtual scenery, the discussion examines the creative and technical challenges involved, alongside the potential for bringing iconic performances to new audiences.

Key topics explored:

• The evolution of avatar concerts: How technologies and workflows are developing to make digital performances more accessible and commercially viable.

• Creating a virtual performer: Using motion capture, 3D modelling and real-time rendering to recreate KT Tunstall.

• Blending real and digital environments: The importance of stage design, physical lighting, sound and visual effects in creating a convincing experience.

• LED technology and colour accuracy: How resolution, brightness, calibration and viewing distance influence realism.

• Designing immersive experiences: Managing sightlines, screen edges and the relationship between the audience and virtual performer.

• The future of virtual performance: Opportunities for new venue formats, touring productions and recreating performances from archival footage.

Watch the full discussion for a fascinating insight into how digital technology and traditional stagecraft are coming together to create new possibilities for live entertainment.

In collaboration with