NYC Gazette

Juilliard's Center for Creative Technology (CCT) is set to host the inaugural Future Stages Festival from March 21 to 28. This event will showcase innovative uses of technology in the performing arts, marking the 25th anniversary of the center’s first full performance. The festival includes four public performances featuring advancements in music, dance, and drama.

The festival opens on March 21 with "Our Future Voices: Music and Technology of the Americas," a collaboration with Juilliard’s The New Series and Carnegie Hall’s Nuestros Sonidos festival. Compositions by Tania León, Angelica Negrón, Vivian Fung, and Alyssa Weinberg will be performed by Juilliard music students. The concert will feature digitally created video projections synchronized with musicians' movements on stage. David Ludwig, dean and director of the Music Division and chair of the composition department, will lead a preconcert conversation.

The festival continues with "Music and Emerging Technologies" on March 22, showcasing electronic and electroacoustic works by Juilliard composition students. These pieces were created using computer software and presented through an immersive sound environment at Willson Theater.

On March 27, "The Space Between Us" presents new works by alumni such as Maggie Scrantom, Marla Phelan, and Alexander J. Jones. Performers will interact with digital content including video, animation, motion-capture design, music, and sound using various technological programs.

The festival concludes on March 28 with "Convergence/Celebration of 25 Years of Technology in Performance at Juilliard." This event features compositions by alumni from Juilliard’s music technology program using AI for visual design enhancement.

David Ludwig stated that “For decades, Juilliard has been at the forefront of using technology to extend creative practice.” He emphasized how technology empowers students to develop their artistry for project-based careers while promoting inclusivity globally.

Edward Bilous noted that “Today, performing artists across disciplines are exploring new modes of creative expression” through digital technology which redefines audience engagement.

Tickets for these events range from pay-what-you-wish to $20 each.