Design and Evaluation of Interactive Multimedia Enhancements for Traditional Theatre Performances

Thesis Abstract

Traditional theatre performances, rooted in cultural heritage and immersive storytelling, face contemporary challenges in attracting and engaging diverse audiences amid rapid technological advancement. The integration of interactive multimedia enhancements offers a promising avenue to revitalize the theatrical experience by fostering active audience participation and enriching sensory engagement. This study aims to design, implement, and evaluate interactive multimedia elements within traditional theatre settings to assess their impact on audience engagement, comprehension, and overall perception of the performance. The specific objectives include identifying effective multimedia components that complement traditional theatrical elements, developing a prototype of an interactive multimedia enhancement tailored to a selected traditional theatre performance, and empirically evaluating its influence on audience experience through quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The mixed-method research design combines experimental and phenomenological approaches. The quantitative component involves a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design with a sample of 200 theatre attendees, randomly assigned to either the intervention group experiencing multimedia enhancements or the control group viewing the performance in its traditional form. Data collection instruments include structured questionnaires measuring engagement levels, recall, and satisfaction, alongside performance observation checklists. The qualitative component utilizes focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with 20 participants from both groups to explore nuanced perceptions and user experiences. Validity and reliability of instruments are established through pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients, and member checking. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics to profile respondent characteristics and inferential techniques such as Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to examine differences between groups, complemented by thematic analysis of qualitative data to identify emergent themes related to audience perceptions and experiences. The study also incorporates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Audience Engagement Model as theoretical frameworks to interpret findings, providing insights into user acceptance and engagement drivers attributable to multimedia enhancements. It is anticipated that the findings will demonstrate significant increases in audience engagement, retention, and satisfaction among participants exposed to immersive multimedia enhancements, validating the hypothesis that integrated multimedia components can augment traditional theatre performances without compromising their cultural authenticity. The results are expected to reveal specific multimedia features—such as augmented reality visualizations, real-time audience interaction interfaces, and multimedia storytelling overlays—that effectively enhance the theatrical experience and foster deeper immersion. This research contributes to the theoretical discourse on integrating digital technologies within traditional performing arts, offering a conceptual model that links multimedia features with audience engagement outcomes in cultural settings. Practically, it provides theatre practitioners and cultural managers with empirically validated guidelines for designing multimedia interventions that complement and enrich traditional performances, thereby expanding their appeal and educational potential. Conclusively, the study advocates for a strategic approach to multimedia integration in traditional theatre, emphasizing that carefully curated interactive elements can significantly enhance audience involvement and understanding while maintaining cultural authenticity. The recommendations include the development of training modules for theatre practitioners on multimedia design, frameworks for evaluating multimedia efficacy in live performances, and pathways for scaling such innovations across similar cultural contexts. Future research should explore longitudinal effects of multimedia-enhanced performances and extend evaluations to diverse cultural genres, thus broadening the scope and impact of interactive multimedia applications in traditional theatre.