Technology / 07.12.23

Theaters Tempt New Audiences with Virtual Reality

Access Staff

BBC News (07/06/23) Dempsey, Michael

U.K. theaters are experimenting with virtual reality (VR) provided by companies like Box Office VR to entice new audiences. Box Office VR designed its technology to work on inexpensive products like Google Cardboard VR Glasses. Patrons must insert their phone into the VR system, then put on the cardboard goggles and plug in their headphones; the headset amplifies a recorded performance streamed to the phone, delivering a 180-degree view of the stage and auditorium. Earlier this year, the Dundee Repertory company offered headsets to patrons to preview the play Smile about Dundee United football team manager Jim McLean, seeing things from the actor's perspective in the play's first half. Such options would serve audiences who might not think of attending, or who cannot physically access theaters. Approximately 100 people have downloaded a show via Box Office VR, but company co-founder Gemma Greig-Kicks sees enormous potential. "It means [theaters] can host shows that wouldn't otherwise be able to tour due to size or cost," she explains.

Read the full story from BBC News.

Tags: Technology , Virtual Reality