Texas A&M University College of Performance,
Visualization & Fine Arts
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University College of Performance,
Visualization & Fine Arts
A scene from the Virtual Production Institute during the filming of the Texas A&M University commercial. An actor in an astronaut suit is filmed on a virtual production stage.
Discover the Possibilities of Extended Reality

Virtual Production Institute

Texas A&M University’s Virtual Production Institute is the nation’s first institute of its kind. The institute is comprehensively integrating real-world scenarios and the latest in extended reality technology to advance problem-solving and support workforce development across industries.

Learn More About VPI

XR Beyond Entertainment

The institute’s reach can extend beyond media and entertainment, branching into workforce development and training.

Industry

What is Extended Reality?

  • Augmented Reality (AR)
  • Virtual Reality (VR)
  • Display Technology
  • Sensing Technology
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Real-time 3D Graphics & Simulation
A student sits in a chair in front of a large LED wall showing a winter scene on a virtual production stage.

Visualizing Success

The Virtual Production Institute works with the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts to position Texas A&M as a leader in research and educating the future workforce to use extended reality technology to solve challenges across industries.

Visit PVFA.TAMU.EDU

Investing in Our Students’ Futures

The institute is based on the Bryan-College Station campus with an extension at the new Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus. Institute faculty, staff and equipment were funded as a special item by the 88th Texas Legislature, with strong support from the state’s growing media and entertainment industry.

$25 M
The Texas Legislature funded the institute’s faculty, staff and equipment with $25 million in 2023.
$105.45 B
Extended reality (XR) generated $105.45 billion in North America in 2025, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Recent News

More VPI News
Five dancers are posed on the ground with one arm in the air and the other on the floor, behind them are four people standing and playing marimbas, they are performing in front of a large projection screen with mountains and a snowy landscape.

‘THAW’ Collaboration Brings Disciplines Together With Virtual Production Technology

March 5, 2026 • 4 min. read

The 12-minute production was created by faculty members in the Music, Dance and Visualization programs.

A group of five people stand on a stage in front of a large screen displaying "Innovate Speaker Series Presented by PNC Bank." They are smiling and dressed in business casual attire. Red chairs are visible in the background.

Voices That Innovate Speaker Series Highlights Virtual Production at Kimbell Art Museum In Fort Worth

Feb. 28, 2026 • 2 min. read

Tim McLaughlin, dean of the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts and director of the Virtual Production Institute, moderated “The Business and Creative Impact of Virtual Production” on Feb. 24.

This image is a promotional banner for an event titled "Voices That Innovate Speaker Series" sponsored by PNC, taking place at Texas A&M Fort Worth. The event is scheduled for February 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Kimbell Art Museum's Piano Pavilion. It features a panel discussion titled "The Business and Creative Impact of Virtual Production." Five panel members are listed: Tim McLaughlin (Moderator), Jaime Roffe, Jim Mainard, Stephanie Whallon, and Bruce Tartaglina. Each panel member is associated with their respective roles and organizations.

Texas A&M-Fort Worth Speaker Series To Debut With Conversation On Virtual Production, Presented By PNC Bank

Feb. 16, 2026 • 2 min. read

Tim McLaughlin, dean of the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts and director of the Virtual Production Institute, will moderate the panel.

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