Impact of Audience Engagement on Emotional Response in Immersive Theatre Experiences

Thesis Abstract

The study investigates the influence of audience engagement on emotional responses within immersive theatre experiences, addressing a critical gap in understanding how participatory elements shape emotional impacts in contemporary theatrical environments. As immersive theatre gains prominence for its innovative approach to storytelling, there exists a need to empirically evaluate how different levels and types of audience involvement affect emotional engagement and subsequent responses. The primary aim of this research is to determine the extent to which active participation influences emotional intensity and valence during immersive performances. Specific objectives include 1) to assess the relationship between engagement strategies and emotional responses; 2) to identify which engagement elements most significantly predict emotional outcomes; and 3) to examine variations in emotional responses across demographic groups and performance contexts. The research adopts a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative survey methods with qualitative interviews to provide comprehensive insights. The population comprising audience members attending immersive theatre productions in metropolitan theatres in London, with a focus on audiences of at least 18 years of age. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 150 respondents for quantitative data collection and 20 participants for in-depth interviews conducted post-performance. Data collection instruments included a standardized engagement scale adapted for immersive theatre contexts and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) to measure emotional responses quantitatively, alongside semi-structured interview guides to capture nuanced personal experiences and perceptions. Quantitative data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to identify significant predictors of emotional response, while thematic analysis was employed for qualitative content, following Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. The study also incorporates Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine potential causal relationships between engagement variables and emotional outcomes, and validity and reliability were ensured through pilot testing, Cronbach’s alpha, and expert validation. Ethical considerations included informed consent, confidentiality assurances, and voluntary participation protocols, approved by the university’s ethics review board. Expected findings suggest that higher levels of active audience engagement significantly correlate with more intense and positive emotional responses, with specific elements such as physical involvement, role-playing opportunities, and direct interactions with performers identified as key predictors. Variations are anticipated across different demographic groups, with younger audiences and those with prior theatre experience more likely to exhibit heightened emotional reactions. The findings are likely to demonstrate the applicability of the Self-Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan, 1985) in explaining motivation for engagement, and the Cognitive-Affective Model of Emotion (Lazarus, 1991) in interpreting emotional outcomes. This research advances existing knowledge by providing empirical evidence of the dynamic interplay between audience engagement techniques and emotional responses in immersive theatre, contributing to both academic theory and practical applications within performance studies. The study also offers insights into designing more emotionally impactful immersive experiences, suggesting that targeted engagement strategies can enhance audience satisfaction and emotional resonance. The study concludes that intentional engagement strategies significantly impact emotional responses, emphasizing the importance of audience participation in immersive theatre’s success. Recommendations include the integration of interactive elements tailored to audience demographics, the training of performers in engagement techniques, and the development of assessment tools for emotional impact. Future research suggestions include longitudinal studies to explore enduring emotional effects and cross-cultural comparisons to understand contextual influences. Overall, this research provides a foundational framework for understanding audience psychology in immersive theatre and offers practical guidelines for practitioners seeking to optimize emotional engagement.