Digital Theater as an Alternative for ADHD Audiences : A Preliminary Study
- 주제어 (키워드) digital theater , ADHD , theater accessibility , neurodiversity , audience engagement
- 발행기관 서강대학교 일반대학원
- 지도교수 손원정
- 발행년도 2025
- 학위수여년월 2025. 2
- 학위명 석사
- 학과 및 전공 일반대학원 신문방송학과
- 실제 URI http://www.dcollection.net/handler/sogang/000000079667
- UCI I804:11029-000000079667
- 본문언어 영어
- 저작권 서강대학교 논문은 저작권 보호를 받습니다.
초록 (요약문)
This thesis explores the potential of digital theater as an accessible alternative for individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Traditional theater environments often challenge ADHD audiences with sensory sensitivities, rigid behavioral norms, and prolonged attention demands. Through narrative semi-structured interviews with ADHD participants, this research examines how digital theater’s customizable features—such as pausing, subtitles, and volume control—address these barriers, allowing viewers to engage more comfortably and authentically. The findings reveal that digital theater empowers ADHD audiences by enabling control over sensory inputs, with subtitles emerging as a critical tool for comprehension. Digital theater also raises awareness on ADHD self-stigma, as some viewers expressed feeling anxiety about requesting accommodations in live settings. However, digital theater cannot fully replicate the communal energy of live performances, underscoring the need for hybrid models that integrate accessibility features in traditional settings. These insights contribute to the field of accessibility in performing arts, proposing digital theater as a sustainable and inclusive alternative that complements live theater, allowing neurodivergent audiences to engage with performances at their own pace.
more목차
I. Introduction 7
II. Literature Review 9
1. The Evolution and Impact of Digital Theater 9
1.1 Defining Digital Theater 9
1.2 Digital Theater's Development 11
1.3 Impact on Accessibility and Inclusivity 13
2. Digital Theater as an Inclusive Alternative for ADHD Audiences 15
2.1 Defining Neurodivergence and ADHD Characteristics 15
2.2 ADHD Audience Experience in Traditional Theater 17
2.3 Accessibility in Traditional Theater 18
2.4 Digital Theater's Potential as an Alternative Medium 19
III. Methodology 21
1. Narrative Research 22
2. Interviews 23
IV. Research Design 24
1. Participant Selection 24
2. Interviews 24
3. Data Collection and Analysis 26
V. Findings and Discussion 28
1. Sensory Sensitivities in Theater Experiences 28
a) Types of Sensory Sensitivities 28
b) Sensory Sensitivities Awareness 30
c) Sensory-Friendly Performances and ADHD Audiences 31
2. Comparative Engagement: Digital vs. Traditional Theater 31
a) Accessibility and Adaptability of Digital Theater 32
b) Immersion and Connection of Live Theater 32
c) Complementary Roles of Digital and Live Theater 33
3. SelfStigma and Accommodations in Theater Settings 34
a) Masking Behaviors and Anxiety 34
b) Digital Theater as an Inclusive Space 35
4. Digital Theater as a Long-Term Alternative or Complement 35
5. Discussion 36
VI. Conclusion 40
References 45
