Young-Adults as a Theater Audience in the Context of the Transformation of Cultural Industries: Features of Building Two-Way Communication
Abstract
The article explores the unique characteristics of young adults as theatergoers in the context of ongoing transformations in the cultural sector. Drawing on international research, it examines the expectations and motivations of this demographic in their interactions with theater. The theater is seen as a bridge between society and its members, serving as a vehicle for preserving, developing, and reproducing social order. It is noted that theater can profoundly influence societal structures, leading to changes in social systems. The article aims to analyze the role of theater in social processes and its capacity to instigate social change. It employs theoretical frameworks for understanding the cultural sector's relationship with society. The work of scholars investigating theater's impact on social structures and public discourse is reviewed. Empirical research indicates that performances addressing social issues enhance the likelihood of active, prosocial behavior among the audience. Theater becomes a platform for individual creativity and fosters social cohesion. Modern theaters are recognized as active participants in economic relations, capable of either reinforcing or critiquing sociocultural norms. Theater is a crucial element of cultural industries, deeply integrated into the social fabric of networked societies. It contributes to social change by sparking discussions on important topics and offering access to independent interpretations of works. In the era of the creative economy, theaters compete in the global market for cultural products, selecting channels and tools to engage with a diverse audience. The shifts in the cultural sector are attributed to technological advancements and globalization.
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