Whose Science Is It Anyway? An Exploration Of The Use Of Improvised Theatre As A Means Of Science Communication

Abstract

The use of theatre to communicate science has become increasingly popular over the last 20 years, as a way to engage broader audiences. However, the use of improvised theatre to communicate science (‘science improv’) has remained under-explored in the literature. This thesis combines research and practice to examine science improv from multiple perspectives, across three projects. These projects aimed to explore practitioner perspectives of science improv, understand the characteristics and experiences of audiences, and develop theory around the processes in science improv performances.

In the first project, practitioner motivations such as personal enjoyment and reaching broader audiences were identified. Practitioners also highlighted the capacity for improv to be responsive and adaptable to its audience. Challenges for science improv included the inability to target messages and difficulties training performers for shows. Building on this, the second project involves a case study of a science improv show called Lines of Best Fit. This study examined the science identity of audiences, and the experiences of science improv performers. Results indicated that shows in theatre spaces attracted a more diverse audience than shows in scientific spaces. Additionally, scientists in shows were able to reflect more deeply on their science communication practices through collaboration with improvisors. The third project proposes a model to describe the mechanisms used during shows to interpret science content. This model identifies three pathways used by improvisors to develop scenes. This model was then applied to performances from Lines of Best Fit to identify the techniques used by improvisors in different contexts.

The findings from this thesis suggest an opportunity for science communication to embrace collaborations that allow for creativity and unexpected outcomes, and provide evidence for the legitimacy of science improv as a form of science communication.