Chapter 4: Creating Science-Theatre: Who Participates and Why

In Chapter 2 (Conceptualising Science-Theatre), as we explored different definitions of science-theatre, we argued that some of the main specificities of science-theatre in the context of science communication have to do with the goals behind productions and the motivations that drive a heterogeneous group of people to participate in the field. The variety of creative practices that underpin science-theatre means that there is no standard set of expertises that might be drawn upon in creating a science play or performance; one can as easily be written by a single playwright, as devised by a group comprising such diverse competences as a producer, director, writer, actors, scientists, science communicators and choreographers. This diversity necessarily invites a wide range of motivations for participating in the process of creating a science-theatre production. We begin this chapter by seeking to account for the diversity of professionals involved in the practice of science-theatre. Then we examine the reasons why they might bring science and theatre together in the realm of science communication. We discuss, for example, how science-theatre might open up complex scientific ideas to new audiences and influence attitudes towards science and technology. We elaborate on these goals, situating them within the broader discourse around arts-based approaches to science communication and the art-science movement. We also explore personal motivations that stimulate work in this area. In doing so, we draw on results from an international survey of science-theatre practitioners that we conducted in 2020 (and presented in Chapter 3: Mapping Science-Theatre Practices) alongside qualitative research carried out in relation to specific theatre productions. We then close the chapter by discussing strategies for creating effective collaborations.