Bachelor Assignment

The PainTimer
Helping theatre performers time their pain acting

The goal of this bachelor assignment was to investigate and explore the possibilities of using technology in small to medium-sized theatre companies. A low cost-high value solution was desired. Using the musical “Spring Awakening” by Steven Sater as a case study, the PainTimer was the result of an iterative design process.

Theatre performers often have to act out scenes in which their character is being hit, while the performer is not. The PainTimer is a device which gives this performer a physical stimulation (through a vibration motor) when the object that “hits them” is near (A Hall Effect sensor senses a magnet), so they can act with a realistic timing. The power supply is worn in a belt underneath their clothes.