Siân Mitchell MacGregor is a PhD researcher at the University of Aberdeen & Imaginate Edinburgh
Valuing Young Audiences: how children experience and value live theatre and dance and why it matters
Supervised by Professor Amy Bryzgel; Dr Jo Vergunst (University of Aberdeen) & Belinda McElhinney (Imaginate)
Theatre and dance made carefully and thoughtfully for children and young people is establishing a reputation for excellence and care, although little concrete data exists of its importance and qualities. Despite a few recent studies in this sphere, few academics focus specifically on the ways in which a young audience values and is valued when watching live performance. This is the root of my project, for which I draw upon my professional background in stage and production management for small-scale children’s shows, as well as building on theoretical knowledge amassed during related projects undertaken for my Masters. The research is supported and facilitated by a collaborative partnership with the organisation which runs the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, and aims to place the young audience’s experiences at the centre of the study.
