A low-cost, low-demand (physical and cognitive) interface for puppeteers that allows them to easily participate in the control of verbal and non-verbal activities of a set of virtual characters or avatars. The invention further provides a low-cost, unencumbered interface for participants that allows them to employ both natural movement and also verbal and non-verbal interaction with virtual characters. A network protocol supports real-time remote interaction even when dealing with relatively poor network connections; and an integrated after-action review system supports trainers in the processes of tagging and commenting on events, subsequently using these to assist reflection on the part of participants.