Attending live theatre improves empathy, changes attitudes, and leads to pro-social behavior

Can attending live theatre improve empathy by immersing audience members in the stories of others? We tested this question across three field studies (n = 1622), including a pre-registered replication. randomly assigned to complete surveys either before or after seeing plays, and measured effects plays on empathy, attitudes, pro-social behavior. After, as compared before, people reported greater for groups depicted shows, held opinions that were more consistent with socio-political issues highlighted donated money charities related shows. Seeing also led participants donate unrelated suggesting theatre's pro-sociality generalize different contexts. Altogether, these findings suggest is than mere entertainment; it can lead tangible increases