Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the utilization of virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance audience engagement in live theatre performances. The integration of VR in the traditional theatre setting marks a significant advancement in the realm of performing arts, offering new possibilities for immersive and interactive experiences. This study aims to investigate the impact of VR on audience engagement, seeking to understand how this innovative technology can transform the way audiences experience and interact with live theatre productions. The research begins with an introduction that provides a comprehensive overview of the study, highlighting the background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review in Chapter Two examines ten key areas related to the use of VR in theatre, including the evolution of VR technology, audience engagement theories, previous studies on VR in the arts, and the potential benefits and challenges of incorporating VR in live performances. Chapter Three delves into the research methodology, outlining the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, ethical considerations, and the rationale behind the chosen approach. The methodology aims to provide a rigorous framework for investigating the impact of VR on audience engagement in live theatre settings. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings derived from the research, analyzing the data collected through surveys, interviews, and observations. The findings shed light on the effectiveness of VR in enhancing audience engagement, identifying key factors that contribute to a more immersive and interactive theatre experience. Finally, Chapter Five offers a conclusion and summary of the thesis, summarizing the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research and practice. The study concludes that virtual reality technology has the potential to revolutionize audience engagement in live theatre performances, opening up new creative possibilities for artists and enriching the overall theatre-going experience. Overall, this thesis contributes to the field of theatre arts by exploring the innovative use of VR technology and its impact on audience engagement. By bridging the gap between traditional theatre practices and cutting-edge technology, this research paves the way for a more dynamic and interactive future for live performances.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality Technology in Enhancing Audience Engagement in Live Theatre Performances" aims to investigate the potential benefits and implications of integrating virtual reality (VR) technology into live theatre performances to enhance audience engagement. This research seeks to explore how VR technology can transform the traditional theatre experience by offering audiences a more immersive and interactive way to engage with performances. The study will begin with a comprehensive literature review to examine existing research on the use of VR in various fields, such as gaming, education, and entertainment, to understand the potential applications and impact of VR technology on audience engagement. By analyzing previous studies, this research aims to identify key trends, challenges, and opportunities related to incorporating VR into live theatre settings. The research methodology will involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, including surveys, interviews, and observation of live theatre performances using VR technology. By collecting data from both theatre practitioners and audience members, this study intends to gain insights into their perceptions, experiences, and preferences regarding VR-enhanced theatre productions. The findings of this research will be discussed in detail in Chapter Four, where the implications of integrating VR technology into live theatre performances will be examined. By analyzing the data collected and drawing comparisons between traditional and VR-enhanced theatre experiences, this study aims to identify the strengths and limitations of using VR technology to enhance audience engagement in live theatre settings. In conclusion, this research project seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the potential impact of VR technology on the theatre industry. By exploring how VR can be leveraged to create more immersive and interactive theatre experiences, this study aims to provide valuable insights for theatre practitioners, researchers, and industry professionals interested in adopting new technologies to enhance audience engagement in live performances.