Assessing the impacts of scientific theatre on the audience

Climate change communication aims to enhance climate literacy, strengthen public engagement, and foster attitudinal and behavioural change. Yet, its effects are rarely evaluated in a systematic way. This study applies a mixed-methods approach to assess the impacts of an arts-based activity on the audience using a combination of surveys and post-performance debates. Surveys conducted with secondary school students reveal the need to reinforce climate literacy within educational contexts. In addition, post-rehearsal feedback enabled the co-creation team of climate scientists, social scientists and playwrights and stage directors to introduce adjustments before the premiere, improving audience understanding. Finally, changes in audience learning, attitudes, and satisfaction were assessed, with findings showing increased understanding of climate change, trust in climate science, and interest in individual and collective pro-environmental attitudes. Although further analyses across broader population groups are needed, results suggest that arts-based approaches can facilitate the communication of complex climate concepts, enhancing emotional engagement and impact on the general public. It also shows that systematically evaluating communication interventions is key to determining whether the goals of communication actions are met.