The use of mental strategies by professioal North American stage and film actors

Abstract

The application of sport psychology principles and theories have now moved beyond the athletic arena and branched off into non-athletic domains. Gould (2002) noted, "moving beyond the psychology of athletic excellence is an important development in our field" (p.247). Recently the mental strategies of various non-athletic domains such as musicians (Talbot-Honeck & Orlick, 1998), performing artists (Hays, 2002) and business people (Jones, 2002) have been researched and discussed. Research of actors regarding their memorization of lines (Voice, 1991; Noice, 1992; Noice & Noice, 1997), their experience of flow (Martin & Cutler, 2002), and their experience of stage fright (Steptoe et al., 1995) has been conducted, however, no research has explored the mental strategies used by professional stage and film actors. The purpose of this research has been to explore and understand the mental strategies used by professional North American actors. Twelve (n = 12) professional actors from Canada and the United States were interviewed using a semi-structured open-ended interview guide. Inductive analysis revealed that the actors used seven major mental strategies including: character preparation, focus while performing, pre-performance routines, imagery, confidence, optimal energy level, and performance evaluation. Elements of career success were also discussed. These findings shed light on specific strategies and techniques regarding the use of mental strategies by professional actors. It is hoped these findings will open the door to future research in this field and bring an understanding of relevant mental strategies for improving performance in the field of acting.