Experience Shakespeare Like Never Before with New VR Tool

A new virtual reality (VR) program is transforming the way high school students engage with the works of William Shakespeare. Developed by Peter Kuling, an associate professor of theatre studies at the University of Guelph, in collaboration with the Ottawa-based company Calian, this innovative educational tool allows students to immerse themselves in the narratives of Hamlet and Macbeth.

By donning a VR headset, students can step into the shoes of characters like the witches from Macbeth or Bernardo, who encounters the ghost of King Hamlet. Kuling emphasizes that this immersive experience aims to make Shakespeare’s works more accessible and engaging, fostering a deeper understanding of the text. “Wanting to be part of the story and really immersed in it was what drove so much of this,” Kuling explained. “VR offers the opportunity to feel like you’re part of a story.”

Creation and Recognition

The concept for Shakespeare VR emerged during the pandemic, as Kuling sought to provide a fresh perspective on the Bard’s plays. This year, the initiative was honored with the University of Guelph’s 2025 Innovation of the Year Award for its creative approach to education. The program transforms classic plays into interactive VR experiences, allowing students to actively participate in the storytelling process.

Kuling’s vision has been driven by his long-standing passion for Shakespeare, which began during his childhood in Saskatchewan. He hopes that by allowing students to step inside the stories, they will be encouraged to read the texts or attend live performances. “The goal of this innovation is to make Shakespeare accessible and engaging by allowing students to step inside the story rather than just reading it as text,” Kuling added.

Enhancing Educational Engagement

Currently, segments of Hamlet and Macbeth are available at no cost for educators in Ontario. The program’s creators plan to develop a third experience that will transport users into the iconic Globe Theatre in London, England. In the Hamlet experience, players can assume the role of Bernardo and interact with the ghost of Hamlet’s father. In contrast, the Macbeth experience allows users to view the narrative from the perspective of the three witches as they weave their spells and manipulate Macbeth’s fate.

Lois Adamson, director of education at the Stratford Festival, praises the initiative for its potential to spark curiosity among students. She acknowledges that while live theatre offers irreplaceable experiences, Kuling’s VR project brings Shakespeare’s works to life in a way that enhances understanding and connection. “When something comes to life in that way, it fosters curiosity, it fosters connection and a desire for further inquiry,” Adamson stated.

The VR experiences are concise, with Hamlet lasting approximately 15 minutes and Macbeth about 26 minutes. Kuling hopes these brief encounters will ignite students’ interest in Shakespeare, encouraging them to delve deeper into the literature. He has begun promoting the project to schools both in Ontario and internationally.

Kuling emphasizes the value of learning through play and interaction. “You learn so much by just taking these chances. You’re in the experience, you get to interact, you get to move, not a lot, but just enough to get you involved,” he explained. The characters’ movements are animated, and their faces are crafted from multiple angles of high-definition footage, enhancing the realism of the avatars.

As Kuling continues to spread the word about this innovative educational tool, he remains optimistic about the impact it can have on students’ engagement with Shakespeare’s works. “That freedom, that becoming part of the experience offers is something that I can’t go up on stage at Stratford and I can’t walk into the movie screen. But here I can take those steps,” he noted.

Overall, Shakespeare VR represents a significant step towards making classic literature more engaging and accessible to today’s youth, blending technology with education in a creative and impactful way.