Sensorium’s digital app breaking ground in audience engagement

From streaming productions to producing and distributing new work online, the COVID-19 crisis has forced artists and arts organisations around the globe to explore and instate new ways to engage with audiences. Innovative Western Australian theatre company, Sensorium Theatre, were already laying the groundwork three years ago with their pioneering digital app.

In 2017, inclusive theatre leaders, Sensorium received funding from the Australian Government, through the Non-Government Centre Support for Non-School Organisations (NGCS) to create a digital app. Developed over two years with the support of Performing Lines WA, their revolutionary app demonstrates best practice in accessibility and the delivery of preparatory materials for young audiences.

“The very nature of our target audience’s additional needs means preparing them for what to expect in our shows, or giving them all the time they need to process broader concepts beforehand, makes all the difference between them being merely “entertained” and seeing them come to life as co-contributors in the imaginary playscapes we provide.” says Co-Artistic Director Francis Italiano.

“We can always tell an audience that hasn’t had a chance to use the app because there will just be more anxious or confused audience members amongst them. If they’ve already had some kind of intro to the show’s characters, premises, themes etc, then they’re more relaxed and open to jumping into the imaginary play that’s on offer.”

For us at Performing Lines WA, it also means that we have streamlined the delivery of the preparatory materials, making it easier for venues and presenters to share with the target audience.

“We always work with artists to find innovative and creative ways to connect with audiences using different platforms.” says Senior Producer, Rachael Whitworth.

“Not only does this help our industry to adapt to the needs of different audiences, but it provides creative challenges for artists to think outside the box – supported by our producing team.”

“As with all our work, creating the app relied on lots of trialling with, and feedback from, the audience it’s intended for. It was a challenge to keep our trademark interactivity, but still make it something that would appeal to and benefit a pretty broad spectrum of needs – so that children of all sorts would benefit from using it.” shares Francis Italiano.

“Getting the balance right came down to avoiding outcome-driven activities, and allowing a latitude of engagement so that they could experience the same kind of free-agency in the app as they do in our shows.”

I am delighted to say I am bringing a group to Whoosh at the Sydney Opera House. But I just wanted to say how marvellous your app and website is, I am very impressed and it is wonderful.”

Penelope Malc, Assistant Principal at Wairoa Special School

In 2019, Sensorium Theatre won the inaugural Australian Access Award for Best Digital App in the Non-for-Profit/Community Category.

App facts

Length of the project: 2 years – 12 months of research and development, and 12 months of production and testing.

Team involved: Creative coder and app developer Steve Berrick, Co-Artistic Directors Michelle Hovane and Francis Italiano and Performing Lines WA Project Manager, Cecile Lucas.

Budget: $83,500, predominantly funded by the Australian Government, through the Non-Government Centre Support (NGCS)

About Steve Berrick

Steve is a creative coder with a history of collaborative development of interactive creative interfaces for arts audiences. Some his projects include DADAA WA’s digital app that enables people with high support needs to create artworks through an interactive touch screen environment.