Adapting a Live-Streamed Digital Theatre Experience Using Physiological Synchrony

Digital theatre broadcasting has risen in popularity, yet it remains relatively novel, meaning the production norms for such content have yet to be established. We measured heart rate synchrony within three live-streamed performances and provided data to the filming team to inform the creative direction for the following performance. The audience demonstrated greater heart rate synchrony on the final night compared to the first two nights and rated the final night as significantly more enjoyable. We also measured movement data and narrative engagement and found that movement negatively correlated to narrative engagement and narrative engagement positively correlated with enjoyment. These results highlight the benefits of using physiological assessment of moment-by-moment audience experience and the potential for these data to shape the creative process.