EXPANDING THE THEATRE AUDIENCE THROUGH INTERNET TECHNOLOGY

ABSTRACT

The study investigated expanding the Theatre audience through internet technology. The objective is to explore the effect of technological platforms such as the internet to enhance theatrical performances and widen scope of spectators/audiences. The study is based on technological Determinism and Mediamorphosis theories of communication as theoretical framework. Investigation was conducted within Ekehuan Campus of University of Benin, Benin City. Designed along the survey methodology, the questionnaire was used as instruments for data collection. Through a simple random sampling technique, one hundred (100) respondents were identified and sampled. Data was analysed in simple percentages and presented in tables. Findings revealed that 95.8% respondents affirmed that convergence of theatre and internet technology widen the scope of theatre audience. Finally 72.7% respondents agreed on the effectiveness of virtual theatre for live-streaming of performances.