Digital Augmentation of Traditional Theatre: Enhancing Audience Engagement through Interactive Technologies

Thesis Abstract

The advent of digital technologies has transformed many domains of cultural expression, yet traditional theatre continues to grapple with declining audience engagement amidst rapidly evolving entertainment landscapes. This study investigates how digital augmentation through interactive technologies can enhance audience participation and overall theatre experience, aiming to bridge the gap between age-old performance arts and modern digital interactions. The primary objective is to develop a framework for integrating interactive digital tools—such as augmented reality (AR), mobile applications, and immersive projection mapping—into traditional theatrical productions to foster sustained audience engagement. Specific objectives include assessing the perceptions of theatre practitioners and audiences regarding digital augmentation, identifying technological setups that optimize interaction, and establishing measurable impacts on audience involvement and satisfaction. The research follows a mixed-methods design, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches for comprehensive analysis. The population comprises theatre practitioners, including directors, technical crew, and performers, alongside theatre audiences within an urban cultural hub hosting multiple traditional productions. A stratified sampling technique was employed, resulting in a sample of 150 audience members and 30 theatre practitioners, selected through purposive sampling to ensure representation across age groups, technological familiarity, and theatrical genres. Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires for audience members, semi-structured interviews with practitioners, and observational checklists during performances. To validate survey instruments, pilot testing and Cronbach’s alpha reliability analysis (? > 0.85) were conducted. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, inferential statistics using multiple regression analysis to examine predictors of engagement, and thematic analysis for qualitative interview data, guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Media Richness Theory as the pertinent theoretical frameworks. Anticipated findings suggest that digital augmentation significantly enhances audience engagement metrics, including attention span, emotional involvement, and participation levels. The regression analysis is expected to reveal that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of interactive technologies are strong predictors of audience satisfaction. Qualitative data are projected to highlight themes of novelty, immersion, and cultural relevance as key motivators for embracing digital-augmented theatre experiences. The study also foresees identifying technological configurations—such as AR-enabled stage sets and interactive mobile applications—that are most effective in creating seamless participatory environments within traditional theatre settings. This research contributes to the existing scholarly discourse by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of digital augmentation in theatre, integrating theoretical insights from TAM and Media Richness Theory to explain user acceptance and engagement dynamics. It advances understanding of how digital tools can be purposefully designed and implemented to complement traditional theatrical arts, thus offering practical guidelines for theatre practitioners seeking to innovate. Moreover, the study addresses the current literature gap concerning the contextual application of interactive technologies in culturally specific, conventional theatre environments. The main conclusion underscores that strategic integration of digital augmentation substantially elevates audience engagement, with implications for revitalizing traditional theatre and fostering sustainable audience development. Recommendations include adopting user-centered design principles for technological implementation, investing in technical training for theatre staff, and conducting further longitudinal studies to assess long-term engagement patterns. Future research avenues may explore cross-cultural comparative analyses and explore emerging immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) in theatre contexts, thereby expanding the scope and impact of digital innovations in performing arts.