Participant Satisfaction in Dark Immersive Theatre Experiences

Abstract

The term ‘immersive theatre’ has become popular to describe a growing trend in contemporary performances. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity of Dark Immersive Theatre Experiences (DITE), which combine immersive theatre and darkness. As a result, it has become more important for practitioners and the scientific community to understand the factors that enhance or limit participants' satisfaction. In this study, a qualitative approach was used to identify five critical obstacles to participant satisfaction: the size of the audience, downtime occurrences, the attitude of other participants, unclear instructions, and the conceptual framework of the experiences. Additionally, five key catalysts that enhance participant satisfaction were found: the intensity of darkness, sensations of achievement, the ambience surrounding the experience, the incorporation of theatrical elements, and the presence of game elements. This research provides valuable insights for DITE managers and other practitioners to develop successful future experiences.