Honorable Mention in RGD’s Student Awards for the Quake Award for Creative Innovation (2021)
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic's devastating impact on Broadway, with theatres closed for 551 days from March 12, 2020, to September 14, 2021, I embarked on a mission close to my heart. Broadway, an integral part of New York's cultural identity and a cherished part of my own childhood, needed a fresh and engaging solution. Drawing inspiration from innovations like Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) and my own evolving online habits, such as watching TV with loved ones over video calls, I conceptualized a platform to revive Broadway shows from the comfort of our homes.
This platform would enable users to watch Broadway shows in real time, creating a shared experience with friends and family. Viewers could sing along with on-screen lyrics, applaud the cast and crew, and even participate in interactive elements of their favourite shows, like throwing rice during the "Rocky Horror Picture Show." During intermissions, the virtual theatregoers could shop for merchandise just as they would during a live performance. In place of a physical Playbill, an interactive digital version would offer real-time insights into the unfolding storyline while preserving the joy of watching the show, utilizing features like picture-in-picture technology.
Behind the scenes of this project, I dedicated weeks to researching the technology required to make this concept a reality. I delved into the history of graphic design's role in Broadway musicals and the rich heritage of musical theatre itself. The result of this endeavour is a source of immense pride, and I aspire to continue developing this project, hopefully making it an official and accessible way to experience the magic of Broadway from anywhere in the world.
