(Re)conceptualising science communication through the lens of science-theatre

Weitkamp, Emma

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
I am a science communication researcher with an interest in science-theatre and as such I often look at science-theatre from within the frame and perspectives of science communication. However, my work with science-theatre has suggested new ways of looking at science communication and in this essay I will explore what science-theatre has to offer the science communication research and practice community and in doing so highlight some ways in which perspectives that look across these two spaces offers fruitful insights to both practices.
My ambitions for this essay are firstly to explore some areas where I believe that science-theatre can help us to think differently about science communication research and practice. In particular, I will focus on conceptualisations of audiences and also on scientists and their participation. From this discussion, I hope to draw out areas of learning that can inform both science-theatre and science communication – addressing the question ‘what can we learn from each other?’ Finally, I will attempt to draw from this and some other recent work, a potential research agenda for science-theatre, which perhaps can stimulate funding for research in this area.

• Deposit Date: May 20, 2025
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 2
• Book Title: Theatre About Science. Theory and Practice (2nd ed)
• Keywords: Science theatre, science communication, theory
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14448934
• Additional Information: Final acceptance received 20/5/2028.
• Contract Date: May 20, 2025