Contribution short abstract:

This study investigates how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok empower teenagers (13-19) to collaboratively innovate in theater, examining their motivations for creative engagement and the impact on the future of theatrical production and youth's role in the arts.

Contribution long abstract:

This study investigates how social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok empower teenagers (13-19) to collaboratively innovate in theater, examining their motivations for creative engagement and and the impact on the future of theatrical production and youth's role in the arts. This study seeks to understand how social media acts as a catalyst for youth-driven artistic endeavors, facilitating unprecedented access to collaborative and creative opportunities, specifically in the theater community. The project provides a unique lens through which to examine the ways in which teenagers navigate, contribute to, and reshape the landscape of contemporary art and performance. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys, interviews, and social media analytics, this research aims to uncover the underlying factors that motivate young individuals to partake in creative processes such as songwriting, acting, and editing for the larger goal of creating a musical. It investigates how the desire for community building and digital engagement influence their involvement. Additionally, this study considers the broader implications of these artistic practices for the future of theatrical production and the evolving role of youth in theater. By analyzing this project, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamic relationship between teenagers, social media, and artistic innovation, offering insights into the motivations that drive the next generation of artists, musicians, and creators.