From Site to Self: Immersion, Audience Research, and Polyvocality

Abstract

Utilizing multiple audience research methods, the authors of this article offer an analysis of audience research that expands notions of immersion across theatrical dramaturgies. We posit that a polyvocal audience research approach can challenge conventional understandings of theatrical immersion as primarily a material condition. Building on previous research into immersion and audience experience, we relocate the primary site of immersion from the physical conditions of performance to the internal meaning-making structures of unique audience members. We collaboratively build our analysis on a variety of performance styles. This demonstrates how attending to the multiplicity of audience experience can productively support new insights in the field of theatre and performance studies.