The stage icon - a maroon silhouette of a human figure in the Vitruvian Man pos
The University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering

Scientists, Technologists, and Artists Generating Exploration

STAGE — Scientists, Technologists, and Artists Generating Exploration — is a Center within the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME). At the heart of STAGE’s mission is the belief that creativity and discovery thrive at the intersection of disciplines. By bringing together artists, scientists, and technologists, the Center fosters a space where experimental ideas can take shape, leading to innovative approaches in both scientific communication and artistic creation. This multidisciplinary environment encourages collaboration that challenges traditional boundaries, ultimately generating work that not only entertains but also enlightens, sparking curiosity and deeper appreciation for science in audiences of all backgrounds.

STAGE’s distinct research focuses on creating and developing new theatre, film, games, and other artistic endeavors inspired by science and technology. STAGE harnesses the power of storytelling, emotional engagement, and entertainment to translate complex scientific ideas into relatable human experience, promoting understanding of the sciences in the public arena through new forms of artistic expression.

STAGE harnesses the power of storytelling, emotional engagement, and entertainment to translate complex scientific ideas into relatable human experience, promoting understanding of the sciences in the public arena through new forms of artistic expression.

Current Projects

Entanglement

Entanglement (working title) is a multimedia theatre piece that tells the story of a young woman balancing multiple cultures and identities.

Curiosity: The Making of a Scientist

The documentary-style web series Curiosity: The Making of a Scientist takes us into the labs and lives of scientists to explore what motivates, and is involved in, choosing a career in science, what inspires scientific investigation, and the nature of curiosity itself.

Quantum Games

In The Quantum Casino, instead of using words and equations to explain quantum physics, concepts are built into the mechanics of playing the games and their visuals. Each of the games is designed to create an engaging and memorable experience that affords first-hand interaction with one or more key aspects of quantum mechanics. Once a game is learned, so too are the quantum concepts built into it.

Explore Recent STAGE News & Events

PME honors AAPI Heritage Month

PME honors AAPI Heritage Month

A roundtable convened by the school’s EDI committee spoke on issues facing Asian American & Pacific Islander students, staff and faculty. Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) has a more...

Teaching Quantum Concepts Through Play

Teaching Quantum Concepts Through Play

Quantum concepts such as superposition, entanglement and uncertainty can feel confusing and counterintuitive, but at a recent event in Japan, hundreds of young students learned they can also be fun....

Quantum Games at Tohoku University Open Campus

Quantum Games at Tohoku University Open Campus

Tohoku University held its Open Campus on July 30 - 31, attracting some 60,000 visitors, including elementary, junior high and high school students from around the region. The popular annual event...

Sneak Peek of STAGE Lab Serendipity

Sneak Peek of STAGE Lab Serendipity

Popular media often portrays science as something akin to magic with test tubes, where an eccentric few churn out grand discoveries overnight amid a regular chorus of “Eureka!” In reality, science...