What Determines Young People's Engagement with Performing Arts Events?

This survey-based cross-sectional investigation explores the socio-demographic, school and student, extracurricular, and family factors associated with Australian high school-aged adolescents’ attendance at live theater, music, and dance events (receptive arts participation) outside of school. Hierarchical multiple linear regression showed that gender, age, and socio-economic status were associated with attendance at performing arts events. Attendance was also linked to theater visits with the school and current study in the performing arts. Out-of-school correlates were involvement in a drama group/class, family attendance at live performances, and sporting attendance. Finally, multilevel modeling indicated that the bulk of variance in attendance patterns resided at the student/residual level rather than school level. Findings hold implications for schools, education systems, and arts-based organizations as they seek to enhance high school-aged adolescents’ development and engagement with the performing arts.