In a groundbreaking fusion of theater and technology, McCarter Theatre has teamed up with MoVA Realities, a Princeton student-founded startup from Keller Center eLab Accelerator Program, to create an interactive, AI-powered experience for its upcoming production of Legacy of Light.

This pilot initiative transforms McCarter’s lobby into a dynamic, immersive space where augmented reality, AI-powered personalization, and responsive design engage audiences like never before. Digital interactions spark curiosity, while physical touchpoints transform that curiosity into action, drawing audiences into the theater, encouraging on-site exploration, and deepening their connection to the play’s themes. By integrating cutting-edge technology, the experience invites theatergoers to explore the play’s themes—science, history, and female brilliance—through an interactive lens before they even take their seats. 

Legacy of Light tells the story of two women scientists, separated by centuries but united by their passion for discovery. With MoVA Realities' immersive technology, audiences will gain new insights into the characters, historical context, and scientific breakthroughs that shape the narrative. This collaboration represents a bold step toward the future of theater, where digital innovation enhances live performance rather than competes with it. By making storytelling more interactive and engaging, McCarter and MoVA Realities are pioneering new ways for audiences to connect with the arts.

MoVA Realities is founded and run by four graduate students from Princeton’s School of Architecture. The Keller Center co-sponsors this initiative. Legacy of Light runs through April 6th.