Rise of the Rainbow is an immersive XR theatre experience developed by DROPSTUFF MEDIA, Theater van de Heelheid and the Netherlands Institute for Sound & Vision, that combines augmented reality, live performance, spatial audio and interactive storytelling. The experience takes visitors through personal stories and key moments from LGBTQIA+ history, transforming complex social themes into a shared and emotionally engaging experience. The project demonstrates how immersive technologies can be used to foster empathy, dialogue and public engagement around societal issues for diverse audiences.

A distinctive feature of Rise of the Rainbow is its large-scale multiplayer XR design, allowing 100+ visitors to participate simultaneously in a shared physical and digital environment. By enabling real-time interaction and collective presence, the project demonstrates how immersive technologies can create meaningful shared experiences for large audiences.

At ITW 2026, a demo will be presented in which visitors can experience one scene of Rise of the Rainbow, showcasing the large-scale multiplayer XR technology in a live setting. The technology stack and production pipeline are platform-based and can be reused to develop and operate future immersive experiences across different themes, narratives and venues.