Experimenting with PlayVR, a virtual reality experience for the world of theater

This paper describes the experimentation with the users of PlayVR, an educational experience focused on the world of theater and based on the use of virtual reality. The PlayVR project explores several dimensions of this domain, corresponding to different levels of cognitive and emotional involvement: from the simple tour through the locations of a well-known Italian theater to the possibility of exploring the different sceneries and to interact with the characters of a play. The two exploratory studies presented in this paper have been focused on engagement, embodiment and presence, which are fundamental for the definition of a VR experience targeted to the world of theater. The results of the studies gave experimental confirmation of what is available in literature, but gave also suggestions for the exploration of novel research issues. Overall, they were very useful for the future development of PlayVR, guiding the choice through the different design solutions and also the often contrasting technology options available for virtual reality.