Audience Engagement in Virtual/Hybrid Performances

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated an increasing dependance on the digital realm, with the performing arts and entertainment industry being forced to reinvent themselves in order to stay relevant. The advent of immersive technologies, such as virtual reality, has provided both artistic and economic potential to create virtual and hybrid shows, but it is unclear how this drastic change in format may impact the viewer’s engagement in the resulting performances. To answer this question, we propose to test the impact of various performance formats on the audience’s attentional and emotional engagement. Working alongside the multimedia entertainment studio Moment Factory, and the circus company The 7 Fingers, we will evaluate audience responses to in-person, hybrid and virtual performances, using both a quantitative (e.g. physiological recording) and qualitative (e.g. questionnaires) approach. Conducting this research in parallel to the companies’ process of creation will provide important insight into the viewer experience and can help the companies’ adjustment to the digital era.

Faculty Supervisor:

Stefanie Blain-Moraes

Student:

Partner:

École nationale de cirque (Centre de recherche, d‘innovation et de transfert en arts du cirque)

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

New and Digital Media; Environmental Science and Technology; Technology

University:

McGill University

Program: