Audience expectations

Definition

Audience expectations refer to the assumptions and preconceived notions that spectators bring to a performance, influencing their interpretations and reactions. These expectations can be shaped by cultural norms, prior experiences, and the specific context of the performance, which can create a unique dynamic between the performer and the audience. Understanding these expectations is crucial in re-performance and reenactment, as they can significantly affect how the work is received and understood.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Audience expectations can be influenced by genre conventions, historical context, and the reputation of the performers involved.
2. Re-performances and reenactments often challenge or subvert audience expectations by presenting familiar works in new ways or contexts.
3. Different audiences may have varying expectations based on their cultural backgrounds, personal experiences, and familiarity with the art form.
4. Performers can manipulate audience expectations through pacing, staging, and interaction, leading to unexpected reactions.
5. Understanding audience expectations can help artists tailor their performances to resonate more effectively with viewers, enhancing engagement.

Review Questions

• How do audience expectations influence the interpretation of re-performances?
  • Audience expectations play a significant role in how re-performances are interpreted. Spectators come into these performances with preconceived ideas about what they should experience based on prior knowledge of the original work and its context. If a re-performance challenges these assumptions, it can lead to varied interpretations that differ from those of the original piece, making the understanding of the work dynamic and layered.
• In what ways can performers manipulate audience expectations during a reenactment?
  • Performers can manipulate audience expectations through various techniques such as altering pacing, using unexpected staging elements, or incorporating interactive components. By surprising audiences or breaking conventional narrative structures, performers can challenge what spectators anticipate and engage them in deeper critical thinking about the material. This manipulation allows for new interpretations and discussions surrounding the work being reenacted.
• Evaluate the implications of audience expectations on the success or failure of a performance in terms of cultural relevance.
  • Audience expectations significantly impact the perceived success or failure of a performance concerning its cultural relevance. When a piece aligns well with an audience's expectations—drawing on familiar themes or culturally resonant narratives—it is more likely to be received positively. Conversely, if a performance starkly contrasts these expectations, it may be seen as irrelevant or confusing, potentially alienating viewers. Therefore, understanding and addressing audience expectations is crucial for artists who wish to create impactful and culturally relevant performances.

Related terms

Interactivity: The engagement of the audience in a performance, where their participation can shape the outcome or direction of the piece.

Contextualization: The process of providing background information or setting for a performance that helps audiences understand its significance.

Authenticity: The degree to which a performance accurately represents the original work or intention, impacting audience perception and expectations.