Instead of asking audiences to switch off their mobile phones, Essex-based theatre devisers Paper Birds want them to keep them up and running for their new, interactive show Feel Me.
The show asks viewers who and what they care about from the stories unfolding live on stage, measuring reactions using innovative software accessed by the audience in a series of "check-in" moments. The results will be shared live, as part of the performance.
In collaboration with academics from Essex University, the overall results from a 10-venue UK tour will be analysed to assess the show's overall impact.
A Paper Birds spokesperson said: "Mobile phones are integral, and used throughout the show to interact with the performers – to make decisions about what is important to us from the stories that unfold on the stage. So we want people to keep their phone on – but on silent!
"At certain points during the performance, we’ll ask the audience to use their phone. We’d love for everyone to take part, but it is optional and won't affect anyone's understanding of the show.
All answers are anonymous; we will just ask questions about what you’re watching and how you feel."
The show is suitable for those aged 13 and over, and will include integrated captions. Cameras are used to stream what is happening in the auditorium to screens on stage, but this is not recorded or used anywhere but during the performance.
The show runs for around 80 minutes without an interval, and there are northern dates at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield (February 7-8) and Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough (February 27-28).