Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis explores the intersection of virtual reality (VR) technology and live theatre performance, aiming to investigate the potential impact of integrating VR technology into traditional theatre practices. The study delves into the evolving landscape of theatre in the digital age, where immersive technologies like VR offer new possibilities for enhancing audience engagement and expanding creative avenues for theatre practitioners. By examining the symbiotic relationship between VR and live theatre, this research seeks to uncover how the convergence of these two realms can revolutionize the theatrical experience. The introductory chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the research, outlining the background of the study, defining the problem statement, stating the objectives, identifying the limitations, specifying the scope, highlighting the significance, and elucidating the structure of the thesis. The subsequent literature review chapter critically evaluates existing scholarship on VR technology, live theatre, and their intersection, presenting key insights from various sources to establish a theoretical foundation for the study. The research methodology chapter details the approach taken to investigate the research questions, including the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. By employing a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis, the study aims to gather rich data that can offer valuable insights into the impact of VR on live theatre performance. In the findings chapter, the research outcomes are presented and discussed in depth, highlighting the key trends, patterns, and implications that emerge from the data analysis. The chapter explores how VR technology enhances audience immersion, expands narrative possibilities, and challenges conventional notions of space and time in live theatre settings. By examining case studies and empirical evidence, the study sheds light on the transformative potential of integrating VR into live performances. The conclusion and summary chapter encapsulate the main findings of the research, drawing conclusions based on the analysis of data and discussing the implications for both theory and practice in the field of theatre arts. The chapter also offers recommendations for future research directions, outlining opportunities for further exploration and development in the realm of VR-enhanced live theatre performance. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of VR technology and live theatre performance, offering valuable insights into the transformative potential of immersive technologies in redefining the boundaries of theatrical expression. By exploring the possibilities and challenges of integrating VR into traditional theatre practices, this study paves the way for innovative approaches to creating immersive and engaging theatrical experiences in the digital age.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the Intersection of Virtual Reality Technology and Live Theatre Performance" aims to investigate the potential synergies and implications of integrating virtual reality (VR) technology into live theatre performances. This research seeks to explore how the immersive nature of VR can enhance the audience experience in traditional theatre settings, as well as how it can be utilized by theatre practitioners to create innovative and interactive performances. The intersection of VR technology and live theatre presents a unique opportunity to break traditional boundaries and transform the way audiences engage with theatrical productions. By immersing audience members in virtual environments that complement the live performance on stage, this research aims to blur the lines between physical and digital realities, creating a more dynamic and engaging theatrical experience. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research will delve into existing studies on VR technology, live theatre, audience engagement, and interactive storytelling to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the potential benefits and challenges of combining these two mediums. The literature review will also examine case studies of previous projects that have successfully integrated VR into live theatre performances to identify best practices and lessons learned. The research methodology will involve a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches, including interviews with theatre practitioners, surveys of audience members, and observational studies of live VR-enhanced theatre performances. By gathering insights from both the creators and recipients of these experiences, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of VR technology on live theatre performance. The findings of this research will be presented and discussed in Chapter Four, where key themes, trends, and challenges identified through the data analysis will be explored in detail. The discussion will also highlight the implications of these findings for the future of live theatre and the potential for further research in this emerging field. In conclusion, this research will contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of VR technology and live theatre performance by providing insights into how these two mediums can be combined to create more immersive and engaging theatrical experiences. By exploring the possibilities and challenges of integrating VR into live theatre, this project aims to inspire new ideas and innovations in the realm of theatrical storytelling and audience engagement.