Digital Performance refers to the use of computers as an interface between a creator, consumer of images, and sounds in a wide range of artistic applications. It is performance that incorporates and integrates computer technologies and techniques. Performers can incorporate multimedia into any type of production whether it is live on a theatre stage, or in the street. Anything as small as video recordings or a visual image classifies the production as multimedia. When the key role in a performance is the technologies, it is considered a digital performance. This can be as simple as making projections on a screen for a live audience or as complex as planning and putting on a show online.

The integration of technology can increase the effects, spectacles and impact of performances and visual arts. Incorporating multimedia in productions surprises the audience and keeps them engaged. The larger social impact after the performance includes interpretations from diverse groups of people.

The Digital Performance Archive stores a physical and catalogued archives from the 20th century. Its research project involved the increase and creative use of computer technology, techniques within live theatre and dance productions and cyberspace interactive dramas and webcasts. Looking at a broad range of diverse productions would have enhanced their research project as they saw how each type of performance was affected and even how new types of performance came about due to the involvement of computer technologies and techniques and all other multimedia sources. In the 20th century, emerging forms of drama and genres of performance reflected the active and escalating role of computer technology in society, with businesses and education treating computers as essential. As our society became more reliant on computers in everyday life, artists began relying on computer technology to play a significant role in film as well as live theatre.

CD-ROMs, video games and installations raised the level of interactive potential of computers. Their accessibility and sophistication added those very aspects to performances that used advanced technology.

From the first digital performance to present day, artists have followed each other's works and explored trends. Technology has its own trends and upgrades, which appeal to artists in the field. Online environments are a strong base for theoretical trends as the frameworks are similar and sometimes the same.

The largest platform for theatre in the world is the World Wide Web. The Internet is seen as a satisfying place for relaxation and offers everyone who uses the Internet their ‘fifteen megabytes of fame.' Every single person who uses online networking sites, blogs, chat rooms, MOOs and IRC is creating their own performance with the use of e-friendships. Therefore it is not just the artists who deliberately devise theatrical events via the use of computer techniques and technologies. However, the focus of this article is on artistic performance.

The field of Digital Performance generates a wide variety of visual and stylistic aspects. Computers allow the artists or companies to create extraordinary and unique experiences, such as virtual realities.

Many consider the relationship between technology and art stimulating, thought-provoking and complementary.‘Performance is undertaking a shift in the conception of technology’. As the educational curriculum also upgrades with the latest technologies, students who are 'digital natives' make use of technology and find it effective in connecting with a broad cross-section of audiences.