Common ground : a case study of the perceived sense of community in a theatre audience

Abstract

As contemporary societies grapple with increasing polarisation and social fragmentation, the search for spaces which can cultivate community has become increasingly relevant. This thesis explores how theatre audiences perceive a sense of community and examines the factors which contribute or limit the emergence of a temporary community within the performance setting. Furthermore, it further considers whether a theatre audience can be understood as a microcosm of society.

This research adopts a qualitative case study approach, focusing on the performance From me to you: how shall we eat v.1.0 at the University of the Arts Helsinki, Theatre Academy in January 2026. The performance incorporates participatory elements, including a post-performance shared meal. The data consists of semi-structured interviews with audience members, as well as autoethnographic observations from five performances.

The findings suggest that low-threshold, embodied participatory elements can facilitate interaction between strangers and contribute to the emergence of a feeling of a temporary community. Moreover, arranging audience seating in ways that depart from the traditional auditorium layout, for example by positioning audience members to face one another, has a positive effect on enhancing the shared nature of the experience. Sensory elements and post- performance activities also play a significant role in shaping audience interaction. While the social impact may be situational and contribute to increased social contact, its wider societal implications remain limited and inconclusive.