New Technologies and Their Impact: Lead Presentation by Douglas McLennan

Opera has a history of theatrical innovation stretching back centuries. Over the last 50 years alone, translation systems, new lighting and projection techniques, HD transmissions — and even holographs — have changed the way audiences experience the art form. More recently, companies have pivoted to social media and other virtual connections to remain in contact with stakeholders, but only a few artists and producers have begun to create work specifically for the digital medium. Douglas McLennan discusses the potential for broadening the art form for 21st century technology, and the need to make digital media a central part of new business models.