JASMAX<\/p>\n
An artist impression of the new Waikato RegionalTheatre. It is a $74 million project led by Momentum Waikato (file image).<\/p>\n
It hasn't been built yet, but you can check out the view from all the seats in the auditorium of the Waikato Regional Theatre.<\/p>\n
That's thanks to avirtual reality setup in the Smart Space by Hamilton's Central Library, which puts viewers inside the new performance space.<\/p>\n
AfterFounders Theatre was closed due to safety concerns, Momentum Waikato drove work on a $74 million replacement.<\/p>\n
\"What this [virtual reality] does is give you a sense of scale... how big it is, and to feel what the various areas of seating are like,\" Smart Space innovation lead PeteAllelysaid.<\/p>\n
READ MORE:* Theatre project swallows $6m community fund* Virtual reality arcade revolutionising social gaming in Hamilton* New Waikato theatre in line for $25m from Hamilton City Council* New theatre would put Hamilton and Waikato back on the touring circuit<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\"There havebeen a few theatre workers who have come through and they're like, I really want to go up on the rigging.<\/p>\n
KELLY HODEL\/STUFF<\/p>\n
Strap on the virtual reality headset and you'll be inside the auditorium of the Waikato Regional Theatre. Pictured trying it out is Smart Space innovation leader Pete Allely.<\/p>\n
\"They're really excited because it's new and purpose-built and state-of-the-art.\"<\/p>\n
The VR experience was developed byCharcoalblue, the theatre's international designers, and is sponsored by Momentum Waikato.<\/p>\n
Strap on the VR headsetand you can test the view from any of the seats in the Waikato Regional Theatre.<\/p>\n
KELLY HODEL\/STUFF<\/p>\n
The screen on the right shows what the headset wearer is seeing. They can skip between seats and areas of the theatre using the controller.<\/p>\n
Squeeze a button,point the controller at a digital punter,and you'll suddenly be in their seat, looking at the stage.<\/p>\n
There's also a chance to get a performer's view fromthe stage, under the lights.<\/p>\n
The experience is being hosted by the Smart Space, an area created to show off innovation happening around the Waikato.<\/p>\n
MOMENTUM WAIKATO<\/p>\n
Theatre workers have been among those keen to get a taste of the new auditorium - but they want to get into the rigging (file image).<\/p>\n
Three physical chairs, sitting by the VR kit, are options for the theatre which you can vote on.<\/p>\n
Over the next few weeks, Momentum Waikato will announce the contractors who will build the theatre, chief executive Kelvyn Eglinton said.<\/p>\n
Over summer, Momentum has signed a funding agreement for its $12m from the Provincial Growth Fund, has funding applications for $3m under way or being assessed, and has been working on the final $2m it needs to find.<\/p>\n
\"They're not very exciting [things] to the public but they're kind of integral for getting the project over the line,\" Eglinton said.<\/p>\n
The Waikato Regional Theatre Virtual Reality experience is availableWednesday to Friday, 10am-4.30pm, until May 22 in the Smart Space at thefront of theHamilton Central Library.<\/p>\n
The theatre projecthas so far received funding from Hamilton City Council, Waikato Regional Council, Trust Waikato, the Provincial Growth Fund, Lotteries Board and a range of trusts and philanthropic individuals, families and businesses.<\/p>\n
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Virtual theatre: a digital experience of the yet-to-be-built Waikato Regional Theatre - Stuff.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" JASMAX An artist impression of the new Waikato RegionalTheatre. It is a $74 million project led by Momentum Waikato (file image). Continue reading