Approaches to virtual reality theatre

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) theatre is theatrical art in which the spectator is surrounded by virtual visuals. It is a field which has remained underdeveloped, mainly due to costs and a lack of knowledge pertaining to it. This dissertation aims to compile important research which may be useful in developing future VR theatre. This research mainly focuses on the scenographic qualities of the VR space, how they can be applied to create theatricality, and how the resulting combination approaches theatre’s goal of creating engagement. This research sources historical and academic written literature on VR theatre, as well as referencing the practical experiences of the co-creator of Electrick Village, Carly McCann. It also takes information from previous VR works; mainly analysing the Commonwealth’s Shakespeare Company’s HMD VR theatre piece, Hamlet 360: Thy Father’s Spirit. This research shows that use of the immersive theatre format along with 360° visuals is the most effective format to create VR theatre that prompts complete immersion for the spectator. The research also marks a prevalent lack of documentation of contemporary HMD VR works. It highlights the fact that experimentation in the implementation of navigational and interactive possibilities for the audience member is currently lacking in VR theatre, likely due to the programming skills required in implementing them. This indicates a need for more experimentation with these qualities in VR theatre. Future experimentation in VR theatre can be assisted through the examination of the continual development of VR games.