Audrey Dixon

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Myhill, Nova

Keywords

Immersive experiences, immersive theatre, immersive entertainment; sensory stimulation, multisensory entertainment; movement, haptics; virtual reality, 3D experiences, agency; Universal Studios Theme Parks

Area of Concentration

Theater Dance and Performance Studies

Abstract

While immersive experiences are not new, they have been rapidly gaining popularity in entertainment as of recent; it seems that more and more venues are turning their attention to this form of entertainment. The rise of escape rooms and even 3D movies are evidence of this desire to be immersed in the story, as opposed to just viewing it. From my research, I have noticed that theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios have also been intensifying the immersion of their parks. In my research, I relied heavily on the work of Josephine Machon, a leading scholar in the immersive field, as well as Keir Elam. I consulted the work of Jean Beaudrillard as I explored the possibility of these spaces being simulation. Ultimately, I found that sensory stimulation and movement are highly effective forms of immersion. In this thesis, I would like to add to the conversation around immersive experiences by analyzing the theme park as an immersive space and what elements of immersion are found in theme parks.

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