A theoretical framework of performance-viewing medium richness

Alternative viewing methods like live-streaming and pre-recording have expanded access to performing arts, yet a systematic analysis framework to compare among different performance-viewing media is lacking. Integrating Lengel and Daft’s Media Richness Theory, Radbourne et al.’s audience communication dimensions, and Chan et al.’s framework on theatre experience, this paper proposes a theoretical framework of performance richness which critically examines how different performance-viewing media, including live on stage, livestreaming, or pre-recorded performances, can be compared through eight medium-richness features across three communication dimensions. The presence (or absence) of each medium-richness features is proposed to affect different aspects of audience experience including cognition, emotion, sensation, authenticity, coherence, and collective engagement. This framework establishes a connection between traditional live productions and emerging media of performing arts, provides an organized approach to examine how different performance-viewing media can affect audience experience. Representative case studies are included to illustrate the analytical power of the framework.