Current — AMT Lab @ CMU

Jenny Wallisch

VR, Simulcast & Growing Theatre Audiences: Connecting with Remote Theater Audiences through 360-degree Simulcast

VR, Simulcast & Growing Theatre Audiences: Connecting with Remote Theater Audiences through 360-degree Simulcast

Technologically enhanced theatre experiences can extend beyond the use of cutting edge performance light and sound tech. Today’s technology allows theaters to reach audiences outside of their physical space through livestreaming performances in Virtual Reality (VR) with VR being defined as an artificial environment which is experienced through sensory stimuli (such as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment. Furthermore, livestreaming, defined as when a person or organization “transmit[s] or receive live video and audio coverage of (an event) over the Internet” is becoming a routine part of standard social network experience. Livestreaming through VR, while still a relatively new concept, may allow the virtual audience watching the livestream to feel much more present at the performance than ever before and therefore a theater’s potential audience engagement opportunities.

Beyond Livestreaming: Remote Theatre Attendance through Virtual Reality (VR)

Beyond Livestreaming: Remote Theatre Attendance through Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality technology is increasingly more sophisticated and powerful, and it’s predicted to fully hit the mainstream within the next year. In the performing arts VR has been adopted slowly, most commonly used for immersive experiences. However, there may be a lost opportunity: institutions can use VR simply to grow audiences.