Practice & Experience
The practice presented here operates at the intersection of real-time virtual production, suit-free motion capture and digital performance systems, with a specific focus on live theatre, immersive storytelling and creative education. The work centres on the design of portable, scalable and performer-led technologies that integrate seamlessly into traditional theatre environments, removing the need for motion capture suits, fixed installations, or specialist venues.
A fundamental aspect of this practice is the embedding of real-time systems directly within rehearsal rooms and live performance contexts. This ensures that digital technologies function as active creative tools, rather than being confined to post-production workflows.
The work draws on both independent research and applied professional experience, with a strong emphasis on reliability, accessibility and creative clarity across live and institutional settings. This practice now operates through Alensi Studios Ltd, a creative technology studio established in 2025 to support ongoing research and development, production work and institutional collaboration.
The following projects and programmes were undertaken by Leon Norton in his role as a Creative Technologist, both prior to and during the initial establishment of Alensi Studios Ltd.
National Youth Theatre: Digital Accelerator Programme
Creative Technologist / Motion Capture Developer | 2024–2025
During the London iteration of the Digital Accelerator, the existing motion capture pipeline was expanded from facial capture into full-body, markerless performance tracking.
This phase involved independent research and development, integrating unconventional and cross-disciplinary tools into a unified Unreal Engine workflow. The resulting system supported real-time digital doubles driven by standard webcams, consumer cameras and optional depth sensors, while remaining fully portable and rehearsal-room viable.
The work was formally presented within the programme as a complete, performer-facing system suitable for live performance, workshops and training contexts.
London Digital Accelerator: System Expansion & R&D
Motion Capture Developer | Early 2025
As part of the National Youth Theatre’s Digital Accelerator programme, delivered in collaboration with Microsoft, portable suit-free motion capture systems were developed and deployed for live performance and rehearsal contexts. The work focused on integrating real-time facial and body capture into Unreal Engine–driven digital performance pipelines capable of operating effectively within standard rehearsal rooms and traditional theatre spaces.
The development prioritised portability, scalability and accessibility, with a strong emphasis on rapid setup and performer usability. The systems were deliberately designed to function without reliance on specialist studios, fixed installations, or conventional motion capture suits.
This work culminated in live performance demonstrations featuring real-time digital doubles, alongside workshops and technical support delivered across multiple iterations of the Digital Accelerator programme.
The programme was later shortlisted for The Stage Award’s 2026 Innovation Award, recognising its contribution to innovation in digital performance practice.
Manchester Digital Accelerator
Paid Creative Technologist | 2025
As part of the Manchester Digital Accelerator, technical workshops, demonstrations and live experimentation were delivered in a paid professional capacity.
The role focused on supporting performers and facilitators in the use of real-time virtual production and motion capture tools, translating complex technical systems into accessible creative workflows. A fully self-sufficient mobile setup was provided, including hardware, software and networking infrastructure.
This phase marked a transition from programme participant to technical lead, contributing directly to delivery, facilitation and participant experience.
Alensi Studios Ltd
Founder & Director | 2025 – Present
Alensi Studios Ltd was established as a formal vehicle for ongoing creative technology practice, research and collaboration.
The studio operates as both a production entity and an R&D platform, supporting the continued development of:
Suit-free, markerless motion capture systems
Real-time Unreal Engine performance pipelines
Portable virtual production workflows for theatre and education
Workshops, demonstrations and institutional support
Academic & Innovation Dialogue
University of Bristol | 2025 – Present
Engaged in discussions with Innovation faculty regarding the integration of real-time virtual production and motion capture technologies within digital innovation contexts.
These conversations explore how rehearsal-room-ready virtual production systems can support interdisciplinary experimentation and applied creative research.