Digital Interactive Set Design for Immersive Theatre Experiences

Thesis Abstract

The integration of digital technology into theatrical environments has revolutionized the design and execution of immersive theatre experiences, yet the development of interactive set design that dynamically responds to audience participation remains an underexplored domain. This study investigates the potential of digital interactive set design to enhance audience engagement and immersion within contemporary theatre spaces, addressing the critical gap between traditional scenic design practices and emergent digital innovations. The primary aim is to develop a framework for designing digital interactive sets that effectively respond to theatrical cues and audience interactions, thereby enriching immersive theatre productions. Specific objectives include examining current digital set design practices, identifying technological and aesthetic challenges, and proposing a conceptual model that integrates digital interactivity with theatrical narratives. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines qualitative case studies with quantitative surveys to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena. The population comprises theatre practitioners, set designers, audiences, and technical staff involved in immersive productions within the past five years, totaling approximately 150 participants across three major theatre productions in metropolitan regions. Purposive sampling is used to select key participants for interviews (n=30), while a stratified random sample (n=120) completes the survey component. Data collection instruments include semi-structured interview guides, an electronically administered questionnaire, and observational checklists to document the digital set elements in situ. Validity is enhanced through pilot testing and member validation, while reliability is confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8 for survey instruments. Data analysis employs thematic analysis for qualitative interview transcripts, following Braun and Clarke’s approach to identify emergent themes related to design processes, technological challenges, and audience perceptions. Quantitative data are analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis via SPSS to identify relationships between digital interactivity features and audience immersion levels. Additionally, the study explores the applicability of media richness and constructivist learning theories to understand how digital interactivity influences audience engagement and comprehension of narrative content. Expected findings suggest that digital interactive sets significantly increase audience immersion by enabling real-time responses to audience movements and choices, thus fostering a participatory theatre environment. The study anticipates identifying key technological elements—such as motion sensors, projection mapping, and adaptive lighting—that are instrumental in creating effective digital interactions. Furthermore, findings are expected to reveal correlations between the complexity of interactivity and perceived immersion, moderated by factors such as prior digital literacy and theatrical familiarity. This research contributes new insights to theatre arts scholarship by proposing a conceptual framework that integrates digital interactivity with traditional scenic design principles, emphasizing audience-centered approaches. It advances practical knowledge by outlining design methodologies for digital set elements that are adaptable, scalable, and cost-effective for diverse theatrical contexts. The study concludes that the thoughtful integration of digital interactivity within scenic design has the potential to transform immersive theatre by making experiences more responsive, participatory, and emotionally compelling. Recommendations include developing standardized design guidelines for immersive digital sets, investing in multidisciplinary collaborations between theatre practitioners and digital technologists, and fostering further research into audience reception of digital interactivity. Future studies are suggested to explore long-term audience engagement and the impact of emerging immersive technologies such as augmented reality in theatre environments.