We have a bold ambition to explore how emerging technologies can, and will, change how we experience live performance. As well as leading new form digital productions (2016’s The Tempest with Intel and 2021’s Dream), we conduct research and development on technology and theatre making.

This year we've worked with three artists to explore three very different projects around technology and  live performance, thanks to the generous support of The Rothschild Foundation.

These three artists were selected to join our Digital Development team as RSC Rothschild Digital Fellows, between January and July this year:

• Director, Writer and Dramaturg Kirsty Housley focused on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and how women’s voices are misused or silenced in the new world of voice assistants
• Digital artist Adam Clarke explored the intersection between live theatre and video games, testing ideas for hosting Shakespeare performances in Minecraft
• Video artist Ben Glover combined his experience as a deaf audience member and a background in video design and programming to develop new software that reduces the barrier for companies wanting to use creative captioning technology in live performance
  

As well as spending time with RSC colleagues across departments, they were supported by a network of specialist partners including Sundance Institute, Epic Games, Portsmouth University CCIXR and i2 Media Research who offered their expertise to support each project.  

Although the fellowships are now over, we are continuing to support artists exploring interdisciplinary practice.