RSC ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH TECHNOLOGY PIONEERS MAGIC LEAP



The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) today announces a new partnership with creative technology company Magic Leap, as the two companies make a commitment to work together to explore new theatrical experiences using spatial computing.

The first outcome of this partnership is the launch of two Fellowships for students or recent graduates, starting in Autumn 2018.

Magic Leap is exploring how storytelling, art, interactions and more can be brought to life using spatial computing, where technology is able to detect and respond to the environment, creating a seamless blend of the real and the digital. The RSC and Magic Leap will test ways in which spatial computing can be used to create unforgettable experiences for theatre audiences. They will chart their journey in a series of blogs with innovation foundation, Nesta, and identify further opportunities for capturing and sharing what they learn with the arts and cultural sector.

Gregory Doran, RSC Artistic Director, said: “We are very excited about our partnership with Magic Leap and the plans we have to collaborate together over the forthcoming years. We are committed to finding new ways for people to experience theatre and Shakespeare, placing the craft of theatre-making in new contexts and keeping live performance at the cutting edge of the 21st century. This partnership will build on our many years of innovation through performance and our pioneering digital work. I am delighted that this journey begins with an opportunity for young people to join us as we explore the vast opportunities that spatial computing will open up to us.”

Andy Lanning, Executive Creative Director, Magic Leap Studios, said: “At Magic Leap, we’ve brought together artists and engineers, dreamers and explorers, scientists and storytellers, who are just beginning to test the limits of a world where digital content is freed from behind screens and brought into your physical environment. We’re thrilled to embark on this journey with RSC and two visionary Fellows, who will define the medium and be encouraged to bring their existing knowledge and experience to take on the challenge of delivering the theatre experience on this next computing platform.”

The Fellowship will be delivered in partnership with a UK University and offered to two students as part of their existing University course. With support and training, jointly provided by Magic Leap and the RSC, they will build spatial computing skills that can be applied to theatre and live performance. Based at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon from Autumn 2018, they will have the unique opportunity to work with a developing technology form and will be key in the implementation of it within the projects that come from this partnership.

Hasan Bakhshi, Executive Director, Creative Economy and Data Analytics, Nesta, said: “New advances in spatial computing will integrate the physical and digital in a way that could revolutionise cultural experiences for the public. I’m delighted that Nesta will work with the RSC and Magic Leap to ensure what is learned from this R&D is shared with the wider cultural sector.”

For further information please contact:

Amy Belson amy.belson@rsc.org.uk / 01789 412622 / 07843 483146

The Royal Shakespeare Company creates theatre at its best, made in Stratford-upon-Avon and shared around the world. We produce an inspirational artistic programme each year, setting Shakespeare in context, alongside the work of his contemporaries and today’s writers.

Everyone at the RSC - from actors to armourers, musicians to technicians - plays a part in creating the world you see on stage. All our productions begin life at our Stratford workshops and theatres and we bring them to the widest possible audience through our touring, residencies, live broadcasts and online activity. So wherever you experience the RSC, you experience work made in Shakespeare’s home town.

We have trained generations of the very best theatre makers and we continue to nurture the talent of the future. We encourage everyone to enjoy a lifelong relationship with Shakespeare and live theatre. We reach 530,000 children and young people annually through our education work, transforming their experiences in the classroom, in performance and online.

Registered charity no. 212481 www.rsc.org.uk.

About Magic Leap, Inc.

Magic Leap’s mission is to harmonize people and technology to create a better, more unified world. Magic Leap is a team of creatives and technologists building a lightweight, wearable computer that seamlessly blends the digital and physical worlds. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, with offices in Los Angeles, Sunnyvale, Seattle, Austin, Dallas, Zurich, Wellington and Tel Aviv, learn more at www.magicleap.com.

About Nesta

Nesta is a global innovation foundation. We back new ideas to tackle the big challenges of our time, making use of our knowledge, networks, funding and skills. We work in partnership with others, including governments, businesses and charities. We are a UK charity that works all over the world, supported by a financial endowment. To find out more visit www.nesta.org.uk

Nesta is a registered charity in England and Wales 1144091 and Scotland SC042833.