Final answer:
Audience members bring expectations to the theatre, anticipating an engaging and interpretive performance. Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping their experience, either by reinforcing the illusion or reminding them of the theatre's artifice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Audience members not only bring their presence to the theatre; they also bring with them expectations. As active participants in the experience of theatre, they look forward to being entertained, moved, and intellectually engaged. Audience members come with the anticipation of a seamless narrative and compelling performances, bringing their personal experiences and cultural backgrounds, which influence their interpretation and enjoyment of the show.
Theatre productions involve various elements such as the script, performance space, technical and design aspects, and acting. The audience is a critical component of this mix, as their reactions can serve as a barometer for the play's impact. Designers and actors work together to create a world that fully engages the audience, minimizing distractions to maintain the magic of the theatrical experience.
When lighting is designed to be intentionally visible to the audience, it serves as a reminder of the artifice of theatre, contrasting with the typical goal of immersing the audience in the narrative. Lighting choices also impact the audience's auditory experience and emotional response, highlighting the importance of technical elements in shaping the theatre-goer's experience.