Stronger Storytelling with Museums and Theatre

Museums and theatres tell stories, but through different means. Museums use objects, while theatrical performances use actors. There are comparatively few examples of museum exhibits appearing in theatre lobbies and those that exist are not curated by museum professionals. This led to the question, “How do museum objects in the lobby of a theatrical production affect the audience’s experience?” The exhibit “Double Standards of Witchcraft Accusations” was designed to help find an answer. The researcher curated this exhibit while serving as the dramaturg for NIU’s production of “Witch” by Jen Silverman. Audience members were encouraged to complete a survey to evaluate their experience and understanding of the play after viewing the exhibit. The survey findings helped verify that museum objects do have a positive impact on the audience’s experience. This combination of historical elements and creative performance can give the audience a more well-rounded and enriching experience.