What RWS Global does

RWS Global is a full-service live entertainment and sports experiences company that provides end-to-end production capabilities — from strategy and ideation through design, execution, and ongoing operations management — to enterprise clients across cruise lines, theme parks, sports properties, theatrical productions, museums, and corporate brands. Founded circa 2003 by Ryan Stana through the merger of four companies including Jack Rouse Associates (JRA), the company now operates seven international headquarters (New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando, Sydney, and Riyadh) and works in over 50 countries with a network of 8,000+ performers and technicians, producing more than 900 live experiences annually and over one million live moments daily. Named clients include Apple, Disney, Warner Bros., Coca-Cola, FIFA, NFL, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, and Merlin Entertainments (for which RWS Global serves as preferred entertainment production partner), with marquee projects spanning the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games across 37 venues and 54 sports, the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi property that won the 2026 Liseberg Applause Award, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum recognized on TIME's World's Greatest Places 2026 list.

The company's product surface is organized around four service pillars — Strategy & Ideation, Design & Creative, Execution & Production, and Operations & Management — supported by proprietary technology including the PV4 centralized video and graphics playback system (integrated with Snap AR lenses for in-stadium fan engagement), the Harmony Helper vocal rehearsal application acquired in March 2025, and AI-powered content management via Box. Physical infrastructure includes RWS Studios in NYC and Northampton, UK (rehearsal and casting facilities), plus a £10M+ 40,000 sq. ft. global production hub under development in Milton Keynes, UK (opening January 2027). The company operates acquired subsidiaries Great Big Events (sports production) and Harmony Helper (vocal rehearsal), along with the RWS Global Sports division launched in 2024.

RWS Global is a privately held company that generated growth equity from Bluestone Equity Partners in September 2023 and is generating revenue through a mix of project-based professional services fees (theatrical productions, sports events, brand activations) and longer-term managed services contracts (fleet-wide cruise entertainment, recurring theme park programming). Pricing is custom and negotiated per engagement with no publicly disclosed rates. In April 2026, founder Ryan Stana transitioned from CEO to Executive Chairman, with COO Jake McCoy appointed Interim CEO and CFO Chris Lucarz expanded to Interim President & CFO, while Bluestone leads the search for a permanent CEO.

Name

RWS Global

Legal name

RWS Global

Website

https://rwsglobal.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

RWS Global is a full-service live entertainment and sports experiences company producing over 900 live experiences annually for theme parks, cruise lines, sports properties, and corporate brands using a global network of 8,000+ performers and technicians across seven international headquarters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Live Entertainment Production Services

NAICS

Motion Picture and Video Production (51211)

SIC

Services-Management Services (8741)

akta.pro primary industry

Live-Action Production Management & Line Producing (MPADABAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Live-Action International/Co-Production & Service Production (MPADABAG)

Keywords

• Live entertainment production
• Theme park entertainment
• Cruise line entertainment
• Sports event production
• Immersive experience design

Headquarters

HQ city

New York

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Entertainment Production Services: Full-service live entertainment production including theatrical productions, live events, immersive destinations, multimedia and consumer products. Revenue generated through project-based fees for concept development, design, technical production, casting, merchandise, décor, and full operational management.
2. Cruise Line Entertainment Services: Long-term partnerships with cruise lines for ongoing entertainment delivery across entire fleets. Includes original stage productions, live performances, cast management, and venue operations.
3. Sports Event Production: Production services for major sporting events including opening ceremonies, fan engagement experiences, broadcast presentations, and venue entertainment. Includes partnerships with FIFA, ICC, NFL, and emerging sports leagues.
4. Theme Park & Destination Entertainment: Entertainment production and operational management for theme parks, resorts, museums, and visitor attractions. Includes seasonal events, haunt experiences, and permanent installations.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

RWS Global is a full-service live entertainment production company delivering end-to-end creative, technical, and operational services—from strategy, design, and casting through execution, production, and ongoing venue operations—to theme parks, cruise lines, sports properties, and corporate brands worldwide. The company leverages a global talent pool of 8,000+ performers and technicians, proprietary technology (PV4, Harmony Helper), and dedicated rehearsal/casting studios to produce 900+ live experiences annually across 50+ countries.

Product overview

RWS Global is a full-service live entertainment and sports experiences company offering end-to-end capabilities from strategy and ideation through execution, production, and ongoing operations. The company operates as a unified platform encompassing creative strategy services (Strategy & Ideation, Design & Creative), production services (Execution & Production, Operations & Management), proprietary technology (PV4 for fan engagement), and physical facilities (RWS Studios for rehearsal and casting). The portfolio includes acquired brands such as Great Big Events (sports production) and Harmony Helper (vocal rehearsal app), plus specialized divisions like RWS Global Sports for sports event production. Services span theme parks, cruise lines, sports events, theatrical productions, and immersive experiences, serving clients including Apple, Disney, Warner Bros., FIFA, NFL, and major cruise operators.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Strategy & Ideation

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced contract processing time from 20 minutes to under 2 minutes per contract through AI automation
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers22 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 May 2026Partnership to develop Finni character for family program on Mein Schiff Flow. RWS Global handles character concept development, creation, and immersive story-driven experience design for the cruise line's newest ship.
• World Fencing LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 April 2026RWS Global tapped to lead live event production for newly launched fencing league. Partnership positions RWS Global at center of delivering high-quality, fan-focused fencing events. League aims to modernize and elevate fencing presentation for global audiences.
• Sydney Kings (Hoops Capital)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 March 2026Extended multi-year partnership for game day experiences and fan engagement at Qudos Bank Arena. Partnership over a decade old, creating electric atmosphere for Kings and Flames basketball games.
• Color LinesupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 March 2026Partnership to develop unique onboard entertainment concepts for Color Magic cruise ship, with two full-scale production shows premiering in September. RWS Global handles concept development and production with focus on innovation, quality, and audience engagement.
• BoxsupportingTechnology or Integration · 25 February 2026Intelligent Content Management partnership utilizing Box Enterprise Advanced and AI capabilities to modernize content governance across global experiential operations. AI-powered contract automation reportedly reduces processing times from 20 minutes to under 2 minutes per contract.
• Kathy Bagshaw (Senior Advisor)supportingOthers · 3 February 2026Senior Advisor appointment focused on strengthening delivery and operational excellence across major parks for key partners, including Merlin Entertainments. Brings 25+ years experience from Merlin Entertainments' event and entertainment operations team.
• FeversupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 January 2026Three-way partnership with Merlin Entertainments to launch Super Neon, a feel-good immersive experience at Mall of America in Minneapolis. RWS Global handles production while Fever brings audience discovery platform and Merlin provides venue access.
• Fred. Olsen Cruise LinescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 October 2025New entertainment partnership beginning February 2026, with full program live across fleet by September 2026. RWS Global becomes full-service entertainment partner overseeing entertainment operations, production shows, themed events, and guest experiences fleetwide.
• Holland America LinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 September 202510+ year partnership producing Broadway-quality shows including Fosse and Verdon tribute production. RWS Global's first cruise client, instrumental in company's expansion beyond theme parks into maritime space. Holds exclusive cruise rights to Verdon Fosse Legacy productions for five years.
• The Verdon Fosse LegacysupportingOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 9 September 2025Licensing partnership granting RWS Global exclusive rights to produce original performances inspired by Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon. Holland America Line holds exclusive cruise rights for five years.
• North Carolina ZoosupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 August 2025Partnership to create first-of-its-kind AR tracking adventure debuting with zoo's Asia expansion in summer 2026. RWS Global developed custom characters and interactive conservation challenges using cutting-edge AR technology and storytelling.
• Snap Inc. (Snapchat)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2025Partnership to enhance fan engagement at sporting events through augmented reality lenses. Combines Snap's AR technology with RWS Global's proprietary PV4 software for in-stadium AR experiences. Kicked off with World Aquatics Championships and British & Irish Lions Tour.
• Videlio EventssupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2025Partnership for Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, delivering immersive sport presentation across 37 venues and 54 sports. Combined expertise in venue technology and production management.
• Merlin EntertainmentscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 April 2025Strategic partnership making RWS Global Merlin's preferred entertainment production partner. RWS Global appointed to deliver premium entertainment experiences across Merlin's global portfolio of attractions and theme parks. Merlin operates attractions including LEGOLAND, Madame Tussauds, and Sea Life aquariums worldwide.
• Harmony HelpersupportingTechnology or Integration · 12 March 2025Acquisition of vocal rehearsal app that supports production operations by allowing singers to practice independently, enhancing rehearsal efficiency and reducing rehearsal costs. Part of broader investment in production technology and talent pipeline expansion.
• Great Big EventscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2024Major acquisition of sports event production company as part of RWS Global's expansion into live sports experiences. The acquisition included establishing new global hub in Sydney and expanding digital fan engagement tools. Great Big Events specializes in producing major sporting moments and events.
• Azamara CruisescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpanded partnership for elevated entertainment lineup in 2026. RWS Global developing original stage productions across Azamara fleet. Partnership extension demonstrates track record of successful cruise entertainment delivery.
• MSC CruisescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOngoing partnership producing major cruise ship entertainment including Robotron show on MSC World Europa's Luna Park. RWS Global provides full production services including technical, casting, and operational management.
• Marella CruisescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive entertainment provider for new Marella Cruises Voyager ship. RWS Global provides casting, production, and ongoing entertainment operations for the cruise line's fleet.
• CunardsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEntertainment partnership including launch of Bright Lights Society production. RWS Global develops exclusive cruise entertainment concepts for the luxury cruise line.
• P&O CruisessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEntertainment production partnership for P&O Cruises fleet, part of Carnival Corporation group.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• Feld Entertainment: Largest live family entertainment company in North America (Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, Sesame Street Live). Operates broadly in live entertainment touring and arena shows — adjacent business model to RWS Global's live touring and venue-based production work.
• Live Nation Entertainment: World's largest live entertainment company (concerts, ticketing, sponsorship). Adjacent to RWS Global via live event production capabilities and venue relationships, though focused on touring concerts rather than resident/venue entertainment.
• Endeavor Group Holdings: Holding company for sports and entertainment assets including IMG, On Location, and PBR. Relevant peer through its sports event production, brand experiences, and talent representation — overlapping with RWS Global Sports and corporate brand experience work.
• Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group: Global live entertainment powerhouse producing resident and touring shows. Comparable to RWS Global in scale of live performance production, talent management, and themed destination entertainment.

Direct peers

• Thinkwell Group: Themed entertainment master planning, experience design, and production firm serving theme parks, resorts, museums, and brand destinations globally. Closest direct competitor to RWS Global's design-to-execution model for attractions and immersive experiences.
• PGAV Destinations: Global leader in master planning, design, and attraction development for zoos, theme parks, museums, and destination resorts. Competes with RWS Global for theme-park and attraction client work across the strategy and design phases.
• BRC Imagination Arts: Designs and produces branded immersive experiences, museums, and destination attractions. Directly comparable to RWS Global's museum/attraction work such as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and Super Neon at Mall of America.
• BaAM Productions: Live event and entertainment production company specializing in large-scale ceremonies, fan experiences, and sport-adjacent productions. Comparable to RWS Global Sports and its Olympic, FIFA, NFL, and ICC portfolio of work.
• The Hettema Group: Themed entertainment design and production studio founded by former Walt Disney Imagineering creative lead Joe Hettema. Comparable to RWS Global in producing flagship immersive attractions (e.g., Ferrari World Abu Dhabi), competing for the same theme park and resort RFPs.
• Nassal: Design-build firm for themed entertainment, attractions, museums, and aquarium experiences. Overlaps with RWS Global in theme park and immersive venue production, especially in design and scenic fabrication.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rws-global
• Instagraminstagram.com/rwsglobalofficial

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles23 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RWS Global