Bora “Max” Koknar
Irreverent. Authentic. Driven.Hi!
I am a Turkish born, Bay-Area based creator of performances and collectible experiences.
With a deep foundation in the performing arts; I leverage the power of storytelling and play to create transformative moments.
I celebrate work that is rich and diverse in tone, technique, form and cultural influences.
I believe storytelling is a critical skill for connecting us and reminding us of our shared humanity in our era of overstimulation.
I am a Turkish born, Bay-Area based creator of performances and collectible experiences.
With a deep foundation in the performing arts; I leverage the power of storytelling and play to create transformative moments.
I celebrate work that is rich and diverse in tone, technique, form and cultural influences.
I believe storytelling is a critical skill for connecting us and reminding us of our shared humanity in our era of overstimulation.
“...among Bay Area theater’s wiliest pandemic-era innovators.”
-Lily J., San Francisco Chronicle
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Digital Experiences
Throughout my career, I’ve tried to combine the reach of the internet, and benefits of emergent technologies like VR and AR with the power of the performing arts to connect people and explore difficult, but necessary social conversations.
Particularly since the pandemic, it has become evident to me that digital and hybrid experiences will be critical to a healthy future for the overall performing arts ecosystem.
Particularly since the pandemic, it has become evident to me that digital and hybrid experiences will be critical to a healthy future for the overall performing arts ecosystem.
"I'm very thankful ... You helped me survive the pandemic. "
-Shelia G., Dragon’s Community Livestreams Patron, Donor & Volunteer -Bay Area Tech Industry Finance Professional
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Immersive Experiences
Before I trained as a professional theatre artist, I devoted all my free time to scenario paintball games, RPGs, ARGs, and video games. As a kid, I never had the resources to get into LARPing.
So, after falling in love with the performing arts at a renaissance festival, I spent much of my career creating 360 physical experiences which engage senses beyond mere sight and sound. And which, through the magic of make belive, create memories and communities which last well beyond the event itself.
So, after falling in love with the performing arts at a renaissance festival, I spent much of my career creating 360 physical experiences which engage senses beyond mere sight and sound. And which, through the magic of make belive, create memories and communities which last well beyond the event itself.
"It’s rare to be able to design and create with someone who has such an extraordinary perspective as Max does, and yet still have the capacity to trust and lead
his creative team to perhaps a different end point than he could have initially imagined....
Without a doubt, that working with Max... has truly allowed me to grow into the designer that I am today.
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-Kathleen Q., Dragon Costume Designer - LA Based Designer for Theatre & Film
-Kathleen Q., Dragon Costume Designer - LA Based Designer for Theatre & Film
Client Work (Immersive & Digital)
I work with clients to create bespoke experiences that engage & energize their community, create shared memories, and drive positive business outcomes.
A few of my former clients and project partners include:
A few of my former clients and project partners include:
"When Epic Immersive came to Google, we were blown away by the experience. Unforgettable. Transformative. Unique."
-Izzy P., Epic Immersive “Stacked Reality” Experiments Participant - Google Tilt Brush Community Manager
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