A Framework for Integrating Digital Technology into Traditional Theatre Practices

Thesis Abstract

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has significantly transformed various performing arts, yet traditional theatre practices often remain resistant or slow to integrate these innovations, thereby limiting their cultural relevance and audience engagement in contemporary contexts. This study aims to develop a comprehensive framework that facilitates the systematic integration of digital technology into traditional theatre arts, enhancing artistic expression, operational efficiency, and audience experience. Specifically, the research seeks to identify the key factors influencing technology adoption among theatre practitioners, explore how digital tools can augment creative processes, and propose actionable guidelines for implementation within traditional theatrical settings. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to ensure a holistic understanding of the integration process. The qualitative phase involves semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 30 theatre practitioners—directors, designers, actors, and technical staff—from five leading theatre companies known for their traditional repertory in the metropolitan region. The data collected through interviews will be analyzed thematically using NVivo software to identify emergent themes related to perceived benefits, barriers, and facilitators of digital integration. The quantitative phase involves a structured survey administered to a larger sample of 150 theatre professionals across ten theatres, selected via stratified random sampling to ensure representation from different institutional levels. The survey instrument, developed based on insights from literature and preliminary interview findings, will utilize a Likert scale to measure attitudes, readiness, and competence towards integrating digital technology. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics to profile participant perspectives, followed by inferential techniques such as multiple regression analysis to identify predictors of digital technology adoption. Confirmatory factor analysis will be conducted to validate constructs linked to the proposed framework, while thematic analysis will further interpret qualitative data to refine framework components. The study will be guided by Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory, emphasizing how new ideas and technologies spread within social systems, and Goffman’s Frame Analysis to interpret how digital tools can reshape traditional theatrical narratives and staging practices. Expected findings include identifying critical factors such as technological competence, institutional support, resource availability, and artistic openness that influence the adoption of digital tools. The study is anticipated to reveal both technological and cultural barriers, along with strategic enablers that can facilitate smoother integration. It is also expected to generate a set of guidelines tailored for theatre practitioners and managers, outlining step-by-step procedures for adopting digital technologies like projection mapping, augmented reality, and real-time sound design within traditional performance contexts. This research will contribute novel insights to theatre arts scholarship by conceptualizing a contextualized framework that bridges technological innovation with traditional artistic values. The framework aims to serve as a practical guide for theatre practitioners, educators, and policymakers seeking sustainable integration models that respect cultural heritage while embracing innovation. The main conclusion emphasizes a need for strategic capacity building, resource allocation, and cultural change management to foster conducive environments for digital adoption in traditional theatres. The study recommends formulating institutional policies to support ongoing technological training, establishing collaborative networks with digital experts, and developing tailored digital toolkits for theatre production. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of technology integration on audience engagement and artistic quality, thus expanding the understanding of digital transformation within the performing arts.