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

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/2fyv7
• Publication Date: 2023-01-07T05:01:43Z
• Authors: Abigail Webb; Paul Hibbard; Jessica Dawson; Loes van Dam; Jordi M Asher; Leo Kellgren Parker
• Keywords: Immersion; Performing arts

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