The Relationship Between Theatrical Engineering and Audience

A primary focus of the theatrical engineer is the relationship between the engineering product and the audience. In order to realize that relationship, he or she needs to take into account an array of factors.

1. The space.
   
   
   • The theatre architectural structure, if any.
     
     
     • Leads to technical possibilities and limitations.
       
       
     • This includes the area outside the house and performance space, if any, like the lobby.
       
       
   • The physical space of the performance.
     
     
     • Are the stage and house enclosed?
       
       
     • What are the dimensions of the acting area?
       
       
     • What is the shape of the performance area?
       
       
     • What is the shape of the house?
       
       
   • The physical size and position of the audience.
     
     
     • Is the audience seated or standing?
       
       
     • Is the audience moving?
       
       
     • In what direction does the audience focus?
       
       
     • What is the distance between audience and performance area?
       
       
     • Does the audience enter the performance area?
       
       
2. Technical conditions.
   
   
   • What physical resources are available?
     
     
   • What are the technological possibilities?
     
     
   • What are the budget constraints?
     
     
3. Climate conditions.
   
   
   • Are the stage and house enclosed?
     
     
   • Is the performance dependent on natural environment?
     
     
   • Do the climate conditions change during the performance?
     
     
   • Does the engineering product function to gain audience comfort?
     
     
4. Safety
   
   
5. Theatrical conventions.
   
   
   • Magical
     
     
   • Suspenseful
     
     
   • The Unexpected
     
     
   • The Revelation
     
     
6. Performance conventions
   
   
   • The Unconscious
     
     
   • Professional Flair
     
     
7. Style conventions
   
   
8. Creativity.
   
   
   • What is atmosphere or mood?
     
     
   • What is the emotional affect of the product on the audience? How does it make the audience feel?
     
     
   • In what way does the product tap into cultural myths or archetypes?
     
     
   • How does the product offer enlightenment or meaning?
     
     
   • How does the product artistically tie to the rest of the production?