DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/X2G7-6P03

Defense Date

2011

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Theatre

First Advisor

Barry Bell

Abstract

Physically, vocally, and physiologically something happens to the actor in rehearsal and performance that can impact the actor’s everyday life. Practitioners have described this as boundary blurring, emotional hangover, and post-dramatic stress. Even acting as a profession can breed stressful situations for the actor. Actors can combat the blurring, the hangover, and the stress through awareness and process. As a part of process, actors warm-up to prepare their bodies and voices and to transition from real life to stage life. An often ignored aspect of process, but no less significant than the warm-up, is the cool down. After researching the acting experience and the cool down, I introduced several student actors to the cool down during two productions and a workshop. Through these practical experiences, this research, and numerous interviews, I have compiled exercises to facilitate the transition between the acting experience and everyday life.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

May 2011

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