Hill Auditorium, one of the University of Michigan’s most iconic performance venues, was scanned by EIPC (Empathy in Point Clouds) to create a digital prototype for a unique live performance experience. This project was commissioned to help stage a performance for an alum and musician based in Delaware, using the LED immersive stage at the University’s Center for Academic Innovation.

The scanning process focused on key elements of Hill Auditorium’s structure, including the organ pipes behind the stage, the organ lift concealed in the floor, and the auditorium’s expansive interior. In addition to the main performance space, EIPC also captured the catwalks in the skylight of the ceiling and the basement and tunnels below, ensuring a comprehensive digital model that includes both visible and hidden architectural features.

This detailed 3D model was used to animate a digital avatar dancing on stage during a test production, showcasing the potential of combining physical space with virtual performance elements. By capturing the full scope of Hill Auditorium, this project not only preserved the historic venue in digital form but also provided a foundation for future immersive and hybrid performances that blend live action with digital environments.