A Framework for Analyzing Audience Engagement in Interactive Theatre Performances

Thesis Abstract

Interactive theatre performances have seen a rising prominence as a dynamic form of artistic expression that emphasizes active audience participation, yet there remains a lack of standardized frameworks for systematically analyzing and understanding audience engagement within this context. This study aims to develop a comprehensive analytical framework to evaluate audience engagement in interactive theatre performances, thereby contributing to both theoretical understanding and practical application in theatre arts. The specific objectives include (1) identifying key dimensions of audience engagement, (2) examining the role of performative elements and audience participation tactics, (3) integrating relevant theoretical perspectives such as the Engagement Theory and Participation-Emotion Model, and (4) designing and validating an operational framework that can be employed by theatre practitioners and researchers. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure a robust analysis of audience engagement phenomena. The qualitative phase involves semi-structured interviews with twenty-five theatre practitioners, including directors, performers, and stage managers from ten major interactive theatre companies, to uncover emergent themes related to engagement strategies and audience perceptions. The quantitative phase comprises a survey distributed to 300 audience members across five interactive performances in diverse urban settings, with stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data collection instruments include a researcher-developed Audience Engagement Questionnaire (AEQ) validated through content validity and test-retest reliability, alongside observational checklists designed for real-time engagement metrics. Data analysis will utilize thematic analysis to interpret qualitative interview transcripts, employing NVivo software for coding and theme development. Quantitative data will be analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS, to determine the predictors of engagement levels. Specifically, the regression model will assess the influence of performative elements, audience participation frequency, and emotional responses on overall engagement scores. Additionally, structural equation modeling (SEM) may be employed to test the fit of the proposed conceptual framework. Expected findings hypothesize that interactive techniques such as direct dialogue, audience-led scenarios, and immersive environments significantly predict higher engagement levels, moderated by prior experience and cultural background. The study anticipates revealing nuanced interactions between performative strategies and emotional involvement, demonstrating that a well-structured engagement framework enhances both audience satisfaction and participatory intensity. These insights are expected to fill gaps in existing literature by providing an empirically validated model that delineates the components and determinants of audience engagement tailored to interactive theatre contexts. This research will contribute to knowledge by offering a theoretically grounded, empirically tested framework for analyzing audience engagement, bridging gaps between theatre practice and audience psychology. The study’s framework can serve as a diagnostic and strategic tool for theatre practitioners aiming to optimize engagement outcomes and for scholars interested in audience participation paradigms. Furthermore, the findings could inform training programs for performers, guiding them in designing more engaging interactive experiences. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of a systematic, research-informed approach to understanding audience engagement in interactive theatre, recommending that future theatre productions prioritize strategic engagement design based on validated frameworks. The research advocates for ongoing refinement of the proposed model through longitudinal and cross-cultural studies, emphasizing the dynamic and context-sensitive nature of audience participation in contemporary theatre art. Recommendations include integrating audience feedback mechanisms into production planning and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between theatre arts scholars, psychologists, and performance practitioners to further enhance engagement strategies.