Objective
Provide trainers with a structured, experience-oriented guide to teach participants how to design meaningful audience experiences in virtual performance contexts, focusing on interaction, immersion, and emotional engagement. 

 

1. Introduction & Framing (10 minutes)

• Objective: Reframe the role of the audience in virtual space. 

• Steps: 

1. Introduce the idea of the audience as co-performers, players, or inhabitants. 

1. Present examples from immersive or XR works. 

1. Prompt the question: How does “audiencing” work differently in virtual vs. physical performance? 

1. Lead a perspective-shifting activity: “Where are you in the room?” (in virtual terms). 

Trainer Tip: Use metaphor and spatial imagination to shift participants’ expectations of audience roles. 

 

2. Choreographing Attention in Immersive Space (15 minutes)

• Objective: Teach how to guide focus without a traditional stage. 

• Steps: 

1. Introduce techniques: spatial sound, light cues, emotional pacing. 

1. Define concepts: “invisible framing,” “emotional magnets,” etc. 

1. Show a clip or demo. Ask participants to track their attention visually. 

1. Facilitate discussion: How does space guide behavior or focus? 

Practice Task: Participants sketch a simple spatial layout guiding audience flow using non-verbal cues. 

 

3. Designing Emotional Arcs Without Linear Plot (20 minutes)

• Objective: Build effective journeys in non-narrative performance. 

• Steps: 

1. Introduce “emotional beats” (e.g. wonder, dread, intimacy) as anchors. 

1. Techniques: contrast, surprise, intimacy, suspension. 

1. Show examples from immersive dance or XR ritual. 

1. Participants map an emotional arc: e.g. disorientation → curiosity → revelation. 

 

4. Participation & Consent in Virtual Spaces (20 minutes)

• Objective: Promote responsible and ethical audience interaction. 

• Steps: 

1. Introduce interaction levels: silent observer → subtle influence → full agency. 

1. Discuss consent-based design: how to offer choice without coercion. 

1. Case examples: when interaction enhances vs. disrupts immersion. 

1. Activity: Redesign a static moment to include an optional, meaningful choice. 

Trainer Tip: Discuss emotional safety and clear communication of audience role. 

 

5. Identity, Role & Transformation (15 minutes)

• Objective: Craft symbolic audience roles with transformative potential. 

• Steps: 

1. Ask: What “part” does the audience play? (e.g. witness, ghost, disruptor). 

1. Explore how role shapes engagement. 

1. Participants define a symbolic role for the audience in a short experience. 

Exercise idea: Sketch a transformation moment (e.g. audience becomes part of the world/story). 

 

6. Wrap-up & Reflection (10 minutes)

• Objective: Consolidate learning and spark future exploration. 

• Steps: 

1. Participants share revised concepts or role designs. 

1. Conduct a brief feedback round on emotional clarity and engagement. 

1. Share a resource list for continued research. 

 

Post-Training Support 

• Templates: audience journey maps 

• Readings: immersive UX, virtual dramaturgy 

• Invitations: observe or join XR performance labs or rehearsals