The Shanghai Grand Theater, one of the best-equipped stages in the world, is stepping up a gear with an upgraded theater studio called New Box.

Located on the fifth floor of the Grand Théâtre at Place du Peuple, the 198-seat New Box occupies 140 square meters. For special performances, the maximum number of seats can be increased to 258.

After the upgrade, New Box is equipped with 190 sound boxes and 36 beams above the stage – a high-level setup for a small-scale theater. It is also equipped with a state-of-the-art holographic sound system. Using motion capture and image selection technologies, the system creates effects based on the artists’ real-time movement.

The improved equipment will enrich the light and stage design of the studio-theater and facilitate the creation of more immersive and interactive productions.

The last time the studio theater was opened to the public was two years ago, when the Shanghai Grand Theater presented the first International Season of Theater, co-sponsored by the Edinburgh Fringe Showcase.

Although its operations have been halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the space is once again welcoming the public with a new face this month.

From November 19 to 21, New Box will stage the first installment of a musical series called “Let’s Rock”, with a selection of songs from popular musicals such as “Rent”, “Rock of Ages”, “Jesus Christ Superstar “,” Aida “and” Next to Normal. “

The musical gala will become a regular show at New Box. The space can also be used for script reading and performing art workshops, an ideal place for young creators and their experimental productions.