ted, part of RWS Global, recently announced a four-year partnership with Cunard, elevating and modernizing onboard entertainment for the luxury cruise line. Through this collaboration, ted will produce and manage a custom-created performance venue, the Bright Lights Society, onboard Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne. ted is providing music & media, show production, AV & technical, costume design & build, talent casting & recruitment and daily operations for a variety of captivating immersive experiences within the Bright Lights Society venue.
Launching with the ship in May 2024, Bright Lights Society will be a must-see entertainment venue onboard Queen Anne, transporting guests into multiple different worlds with an enticing array of daytime and night-time entertainment experiences. Industry-leading technology, unique visual elements, top-tier talent and exclusive food and beverage will transform the space into different scenes, curated for each show.
Created exclusively for Cunard, the experiences within the lounge will include a burlesque cabaret performance, a seductive cinematic production and a full sensory experience encapsulating smell, taste, feel, sound and light. Guests can step into an ongoing story over the course of their cruise, navigating the overall narrative as they choose. Food and beverage activations, VIP experiences and high-end merchandise tie-ins will amplify the level of luxury visitors expect from the world’s most iconic luxury cruise line, while positioning Cunard as an innovator in immersive entertainment.
As part of overseeing all creative production and operations, ted will recruit, cast and manage performers for Cunard, including leading an international audition tour. In addition, RWS Global Studios London will serve as the exclusive rehearsal space for Cunard’s entertainment program. ted recently launched RWS Global Studios London, building on the established success of RWS Global Studios in New York City, to support its expansive talent and client base across the theatre, cruise, park and resort industries and support the growing demand for entertainment experiences in the UK and Europe-Middle East. The 1,000-square-meter facility features four mirrored dance halls, two vocal studios and a host of amenities to facilitate seamless auditions, rehearsals, meetings and commercial projects.
“We are eager to bring engaging entertainment offerings to Cunard’s clientele,” says Tarrah Vedder, EVP of Global Sea Production. “Our exciting new collaboration, leveraging the best of both our brands, will enhance the entertainment experience for guests who have become accustomed to the offerings of the well-respected Cunard name, leaving attendees filled with new insight and inspiration. Our new, state-of-the-art RWS Global Studios London facility is the perfect place to kick off that partnership.”
“We are thrilled to provide world class talent to a world class luxury cruise line, while at the same time celebrating the launch of RWS Global Studios London,” said Ryan Saab, SVP of Talent Casting & Recruitment at RWS Global. “This audition and rehearsal studio will help ensure that our clients’ productions are of the quality their visitors have come to expect, while attracting an expansive talent pool from across the UK, Europe-Middle East and beyond.”
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the team at ted to bring Bright Lights Society to life for guests sailing aboard Queen Anne. This collaboration will ensure that our guests will have an opportunity to encounter some exceptional talent throughout their voyage with us.”
RWS Global Studios London is located at 157 Clarence Ave, Northampton NN2 6NY. Cunard auditions will take place on 23 January 2024. For more information, visit https://www.rwsglobal.com/auditions-gigs.
