Psychology for Performing Artists: Butterflies and Bouquets Book

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.

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. New 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.