Digital developments in the theater world: How do we take them further?

Technology is changing our world. Digital tools can explore the boundaries of theater, engage audiences in new ways, and expand its reach. Even the definition of the stage can change with a digital approach. What exactly should we be thinking about? 

1. Opening doors

One of the places where the power of digital is being explored is De Doelen in Rotterdam. Since 2022, the Immersive Tech Week has been held there annually, an event where business, science, and art from across Europe come together.

These innovations also include digital art forms, which are increasingly finding a stage here, explains Masa Spaan, head of programming at De Doelen. "Think, for example, of the use of VR glasses and animations that respond to the movements of actors detected by cameras. These are ways to open up the building, bring concert practices into the present, and give artists the chance to experiment with new tools."

2. Years of research

David Middendorp explores the new possibilities of digital in theater. He is the choreographer of Another Kind of Blue, a dance company that experiments with technology. This strongly influences the creative process. They often spend years researching a specific technology before using it in a performance. Afterward, they must find people who can work with that technology. Then, they bring dancers and technology together. While regular dance companies rehearse for at most a few months, development in this case takes much longer.

A digital product is also never finished. "Some productions we performed ten years ago are still being adapted. We learn from every performance and apply new techniques when they become available."

3. Iterative development

Abdelhadi Baaddi, co-founder of Utrecht's Innovation:Lab, also recognizes this iterative approach. "It makes a performance a true research process. In digital theater, tryouts are especially important: the product we present is not yet finished but, for example, travels from theater to theater to continue its development." 

The theater world can prepare for such digital innovations. Acquiring the right equipment is important, but even more so is providing time and space to experiment. For example, theaters can give a company a few extra days after a performance to further develop the product.

4. Spectator becomes participant

In this Theater 2.0, the audience also takes on a different role. "There is more ownership for the spectator," Baaddi explains. "Digital developments like VR ensure that viewers can play a larger role in a performance. This also changes the creative process: if you only involve the audience when they enter the room, you're too late. That's why we build in as many test moments as possible. Creators often find this challenging: they are not used to showing their vulnerable side so early in the process. Yet they ultimately see the benefit: interaction with the audience always provides new insights."

During these feedback moments, it is important not to ask general questions but specific ones focused on the digital process. So not: what did you think? But: how do you interact with this? Explain what you are trying to convey and check with the audience if it works.

5. New audience

These digital developments are also bringing new audiences to the theater, Spaan observes. The audience is curious about digital art forms. More and more visitors are open to experiments or actively seek out innovation. To gain more insight into this, theaters can conduct audience research specifically focused on this question.

How we advance digital developments in theater

• Accept that you will make mistakes. Working with digital tools means you can't control everything. Accept this and see the mistakes you make as ways to move forward.
  
• Keep developing your product. A digital product is never finished in one go. Even after a performance, you can continue developing it, aided by new technological possibilities that arise. Don't discard earlier versions but track all the prototypes you have developed. You can learn from them too. This is part of the archive for the future.
  
• Involve your audience as early as possible. The audience is especially crucial in digital experiments: they can best tell you if your experiment is successful and provide tips on how to improve it.
• Collaborate with partners in the sector. Work together with other theaters or companies and share your knowledge. This way, the entire sector becomes a part of these digital developments.