Using drama therapy to explore emotional expression in actors: Implications for acting training programs

This thesis explores how drama therapy might increase actors' emotional expression. The theoretical components of the thesis are divided into three main chapters: (1) Emotional Expression; (2) Relationship Between Drama Therapy and Actor Training; and (3) Why Drama Therapy Can Help Actors. A chapter dedicated to the author's work with actors is also included. The theoretical foundation for the thesis is that the nature of emotional expression is highly complex, involving numerous physiological and psychological processes. It comprises a sophisticated relationship between affect, cognition and behavior that concerns theatre theorists, psychologists and drama therapists because all three fields involve emotional regulation. The author uses Silvan S. Tomkins' affect theory as the primary base for discussing the nature of emotional expression.