Body awareness in acting – a case study of TRE as a supporting tool for drama students’ personal and professional development

Abstract

Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) is an approach that assists the body in releasing deep muscular patterns of tension originated from stressful and traumatic experiences. This approach is included as a tool in the Method Acting curriculum of the three years Bachelor in Acting at NSKI University College in Norway. In this study, we explore drama students’ experiences with TRE and its use to promote personal welfare and professional performance. Focus group data was collected from twelve drama students and subjected to a thematic analysis. Three central themes emerged from the data material; (1) increased self-awareness of body and mind, 2) skills performance under pressure and (3) increased ability to create a character. We conclude that TRE is a useful tool in eliminating emotional tension and in sharpening the awareness of self as an individual and of one's own being, actions or thoughts, so increasing focus and energy in Method Acting.

Keywords:

• method acting
• drama students
• self-awareness
• mind-body
• tension release exercises
• reflective practice

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cathrine Scharff Thommessen

Cathrine Scharff Thommessen holds a MA in Pedagogy (2017), University of Oslo. The topic of her Master thesis was stress and bodily regulations in young boys in prison. She is the first author of a book recently published at a renowned academic publishing house aimed at educators and therapists about the importance of dealing with their own stress reactions in trauma informed care. She has diverse theoretical and practical background in the medical and somatic field, as well as a BA in dance and pedagogy. She has been working as a supervisor in stress regulation at NSKI University College since 2011.

Marit Fougner

Marit Fougner is associate professor at Oslo Metropolitan University College of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences; Department of Physiotherapy. Her lecture topics are: qualitative research methods, research ethics, evidence based practice, manual skills training. Fields of research and research topics: Learning models bridging theory and practice, inter professional education, client- centered physiotherapy, cultural competency in physiotherapy, somatocognitive therapy (SCT) for chronic pelvic pain in women, aging, health and welfare.