The project investigates the possible uses of audience response systems (ARSs) in the context of interaction at the theatre.
The project investigates the possible uses of audience response systems (ARSs) in the context of interaction at the theatre. ARSs (also known as «TED voting systems» or «clicker» systems) are often used at higher education events (at universities, for example) or corporate events or to help canvas political opinions. By contrast, they are not really used in the context of the theatre, even though the potential for interesting and effective applications is fairly obvious. Their use would make it possible to record audience participation, perceptual organisation, audience expectations, the level of identification with characters, or the level of immersion in the fictional world during a performance. Over the long term, ARSs can be used as a tool for investigating the feedback loop between audience and actors by feeding the audience's responses back into the performance.
Based on the model approach to theatrical performance known as the «drama of the majority», an interactive format is being developed which integrates the respective choices of the audience – and not in a laboratory environment, but during an actual public performance The resulting situation provides certain insights, and is partly a vehicle for communicating research, part research itself, and part theatrical performance. The ensuing discussions with the audience help investigate the issue of participation and research both within the theatre and using theatre.