Theatre & Dance ETDs

Publication Date

Spring 5-15-2021

Abstract

Using phenomenology as a lens of analysis, I investigate how immersive theatre engages audiences in a more direct and sensory way than traditional theatre. In a proscenium theatre the action is seen from the same angle. The theatre itself becomes a phenomenon in audience’s minds, each performance subtly influencing how the audience perceives the next. I investigate how relationships between audience and performers are altered in immersive experiences with no delineation between the space audience and actors occupy. The phenomenological idea of frontality places immersed audiences in positions where they are able to explore a constantly changing perspective of the performance, unable to focus their senses on anything not considered part of the experience. I explore this relationship between phenomenology and immersive performance through examples of contemporary immersive performance, historical accounts of exorcism which closely mirrors immersive performance relationships, and in writing and staging my thesis performance, The Bat.

Degree Name

Dramatic Writing

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Theatre & Dance

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dominika Laster

Second Committee Member

Donna Jewell

Third Committee Member

Alejandro Rodriguez

Fourth Committee Member

Erik Ehn

Language

English

Keywords

immersive theatre, immersive, theatre, exorcism, performance, theater

Document Type

Dissertation

Download

Share

COinS