Psychology For Performing Artists

The study of theatre is of great value to psychologists because it is a vital part of life. This thoroughly revised and updated second edition provides a unique and up-to-date analysis of what psychology has to offer for actors, musicians, singers and dancers. It makes suggestions about how the particular stresses that performers are under can be managed. Newly provided examples, or Spotlights, give focused explanations of interesting topics that are self-contained within the text. Drawing on numerous practical examples from the arts as well as scientific and clinical research, this book has proven to be an invaluable resource for student, professional and amateur alike.Modern psychology has much to offer performing artists in terms of understanding themselves and optimizing their art: it examines the unique two-way relationship between audience and performer, describes the way in which emotions are communicated to an audience by non-verbal processes such as posture and facial expression, and explains the instinctual origins of the impulse to perform. Dr Glenn Wilson PhD, FBPS, CPsychol is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, University of London, and has previously held visiting professorships at Stanford University, San Francisco State and the University of Nevada, Reno. He trained as a baritone at the Guildhall School of Music, and now is an established stage director and opera singer who makes frequent appearances on British TV. He has published several papers on psychology as applied to the performing arts, and in London in 1990 and 1993 organized the first and second international conferences on Psychology and the Performing Arts.

Modern psychology has much to offer performing artists in terms of understanding themselves and optimizing their art: it can explain the instinctual origins of the impulse to perform, examine the two-way relationship between performer and audience, describe the way in which emotions are transmitted via non-verbal processes, test theories about the nature of music and humour and their influence on our emotions, and offer suggestions as to how the particular stresses that performers are under can be managed. This book provides a unique and up-to-date analysis of what psychology has to contribute for actors, musicians, singers and dancers. Drawing on numerous practical examples from the arts as well as scientific and clinical research, it will be an invaluable resource for student, professional and amateur performer alike.

The relationship between sport and exercise psychology and the realm of professional sport and performance has grown exponentially in recent years. Elite athletes increasingly see the value in seeking psychological advice and expertise, while consultants now work in a wider range of elite performance environments. Psychology in Professional Sports and the Performing Arts: Challenges and Strategies is a unique and timely collection that brings together the experiences and knowledge of a range of applied psychologists working in these exciting industries. The book begins with a section outlining the core skills practitioners require in the field, before chapters discussing individual sports, team sports and the performing arts. Each author looks at how theoretical principles can be applied within a particular professional context, delineating how performers may benefit from working with a psychologist, as well as the ethical and cultural challenges that they faced. Assessing the role of applied psychologists across a truly unique range of activities, from polo to motor racing and ice hockey to modern dance, Psychology in Professional Sports and the Performing Arts: Challenges and Strategies offers unrivalled insights into how sport and exercise psychology can be put into practice in challenging professional environments. It will appeal to anyone studying sport and exercise psychology, or working in the field.

This is one of the first studies to describe the practice of 'performance psychology'. It blends theory and practice by integrating literature reviews with real-world applications for a broad range of clients. It provides extensive session transcripts, including consultants' thoughts and reactions throughout each session.

Why are some performers exhilarated and energized about performing in public, while others feel a crushing sense of fear and dread, and experience public performance as an overwhelming challenge that must be endured? These are the questions addressed in this book, the first rigorous exposition of this complex phenomenon.

Dance Psychology for Artistic and Performance Excellence helps dancers develop psychological strength to maximize their performance. The book covers the key mental aspects of dance performance and offers practical exercises that will make dancers’ minds their most powerful tools.

Psychology for Actors is a study of modern psychology, specifically designed for the working actor and actor-in-training, that covers discrete areas of psychological theory that actors can apply to their creative process to form and connect with characters. The book investigates many post-Stanislavsky ideas about human psychology from some of the twentieth century’s most brilliant minds – from Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung to Abraham Maslow and Ken Wilber – and offers step-by-step exercises to help actors understand their characters and effectively bring them to life on stage or in front of the camera. Psychology for Actors also offers advice on how to cope with the stresses and strains of a highly competitive field, and provides tools for deeper self-awareness and character exploration.