What is The Doppler Effect?

Scientifically:

Doppler effect n. [Christian J. Doppler] (1905) a change in the frequency with which waves (as sound, light or radio waves) from a given source reach an observer when the source and the observer are in rapid motion with respect to each other so that the fequency increases or decreases according to the speed at which the distance is decreasing or increasing

-Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary

It is the Doppler effect that creates the perceived change in pitch as you hear a train's whistle get higher as it approaches, then lower after it has run you over and moves away.

An interesting website that clearly defines the concept is here.

Theatrically:

The Doppler Effect n. [2006] the cumulative effort of four magical creators to create and alter the perception of reality via illusion, psychology, memory and the senses.

As viewers enter the theatre of The Doppler Effect, they carry with them assumptions of what they are about to experience. Throughout the show, each person's perception changes based on the passage of time and personal interactive experiences in the performance.

 

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