What two key concepts are related to the audience experience in theatre?
Two key concepts related to the audience experience in theatre are immersion and participation.
Immersion refers to the degree to which the audience feels fully engaged and absorbed in the theatrical experience. It involves suspending disbelief and becoming emotionally invested in the story and characters. Immersive theatre productions often blur the line between performers and audience members, creating an environment that encourages active involvement and reaction.
Participation, on the other hand, relates to the extent to which the audience is actively involved in the performance. It can range from simple interactions such as clapping, cheering, or responding to cues, to more complex forms of participation like being invited on stage or directly engaging with the performers. Participatory theatre encourages audience members to become part of the storytelling process, empowering them to shape the outcome of the performance.