sychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts Immersive-360° theatre: user experience in the virtual auditorium and platform efficacy for current and underserved audiences

Abstract

The present study explores the efficacy and social potential of immersive-360° theatre– live captured theatre performances filmed for virtual reality viewing - as a remoteplatform for audiences to view theatre. We obtained survey and structured interviewresponses from 166 and 30 participants, respectively, self-categorised as regulartheatregoers, novices, and underserved audiences. We measured immersion,presence, and emotional arousal in the virtual auditorium, technology acceptance, andsocial perceptions including its compatibility with traditional theatre and use as a social,wellbeing, and accessibility tool. Findings show that in the immersive-360° theatreauditorium ratings for presence and immersion are mixed, and the latter is likely to beinfluenced by external factors including hardware quality and environmental distractors.For most, immersive-360° theatre is regarded as a positive tool for wellbeing andaccessibility, but many highlighted the absence of social aspects which are central tothe traditional theatre experience and cannot be replicated in such remote conditions.Despite this, the experience was enjoyable for most participants, and crucially, amajority of participants do not perceive immersive-360° theatre as a “threat” to itstraditional counterpart. Rather, with certain improvements it is seen as a compatibleand complementary offering that has potential for use as a digital offering forunderserved audiences and recruiting new patrons. Suggestions for improving thequality of the VR theatre experience and its potential as an accessibility tool includedimproving headset quality and resolution, additional accessibility and user controls, andimportantly the ability to share the experience with another in real-time.