The Rise of Experiential Theatre : Rise of Experiential Theatre

The rise of experiential theatre is redefining what it means to be entertained. As AI continues to churn out scripts and curate content for us, audiences are increasingly craving something more tactile—something that pulls them into the action instead of keeping them at arm’s length. Experiential theatre does exactly that, turning passive viewers into active participants.

At the Future Festival 2024 World Summit—a major trend forecasting conference and one of the leading innovation conferences in the world—Courtney Scharf, Chief Client Officer at Trend Hunter, spotlighted this shift. She emphasized that people aren’t just looking for content anymore; they’re looking for connection. Experiential theatre meets that need by creating immersive, sensory-rich environments where the story surrounds you.

Places like The Sphere in Las Vegas are leading the charge, blending cutting-edge tech with emotional storytelling. Meanwhile, studios like A24 are embracing risk, favoring bold, unconventional narratives and niche fan experiences. As AI continues to evolve, the future of entertainment will belong to those who can balance digital innovation with deeply human, unforgettable moments.

Want to learn more about the future of entertainment and leisure? Join us at Future Festival 2025! Connect with top innovators from brands like Starbucks, Netflix, and Google. NYC (June 3-4), or Toronto World Summit (Sept 23-25). Register now!

Image Credit: Shutterstock