The Maltz Performing Arts Center (MPAC) at Case Western Reserve University in University Circle hasn’t welcomed visitors for the past year. But it’s been plenty active. For one thing, it’s been undergoing a massive expansion project. And it’s continued to offer performances, livestreaming its Silver Hall concerts featuring classical, pop, folk and jazz. (This week you can hear the Quintessence Jazz Combo on Wednesday May 19 and the North Coast Winds on Wednesday May 26.)
They’ve also announced another upgrade: Students from Case Western Reserve University’s Case School of Engineering and MPAC’s staff have been working together to create an augmented, or virtual reality, system for stage setups and modifications, believed to be one of the first such software systems for performing arts in the region.
“Instead of hand-drawn stage plots or using software that may not fully articulate the needs of an act, the new virtual reality setup will allow performers, agents, touring groups and designers to address the needs of their live shows without being on site at the Maltz Center,” they explain. “Groups who perform at the Maltz Center will be offered the opportunity to use this virtual reality software to set up their stage. The software will give performers the ability to place things like music stands, chairs, trussing, and more in virtual reality that is the same scale as a performer would see while standing on stage.”
To learn more about MPAC go to case.edu/maltzcenter/.