title: Totally Tuned In: Peak Performance in Professional Screen Acting
Creators: name: Loveday, Kylie M
Publisher: name: Griffith University
Year: 2022
Subjects: subject: Peak Performance
subject: Professional Acting
subject: Screen Acting
subject: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

description: The aim of the current research program was to empirically investigate the experience of peak performance in the context of professional screen acting. Five studies were conducted employing an exploratory sequential mixed methods research approach. Three qualitative studies explored the subjective peak screen acting performance experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five professional screen actors. The first two studies employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis. The first study revealed that peak screen acting performances were a present, connected, and heightened state of living as the character (i.e., the peak performance state). Peak screen acting performances were achieved through performance preparation. Actors reported developing self-efficacy and acceptance due to feeling prepared. The second study revealed that professional interpersonal relationships either facilitated or inhibited screen acting performances. Further, intrinsic motivation facilitated, whilst performance pressure inhibited peak performances. The third study employed a deductive frequency analysis to explore whether flow was related to peak screen acting performances. Flow was partially associated with peak screen acting performances. Experiential dimensions of flow were most strongly associated with peak performances. The combined results of the first three qualitative studies indicated that a three-level hierarchy of needs may best represent the process that assists actors reach peak performance in screen acting. The final two studies used quantitative methodology to extend upon the first three studies. Participants were professional actors with various levels of professional experience. Participants completed a self-report online survey measuring general performance, the peak performance state, performance preparation, support, trust, respect, self-efficacy, psychological safety, acceptance, intrinsic motivation, pressure,worry, and flow. The fourth study (N = 167) tested whether the three-level hierarchy of needs accounted for the variance in peak screen acting performance. Hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that the three-level hierarchy of needs significantly accounted for the peak performance state whilst only two levels of the hierarchy significantly accounted for general performance. Overall, performance preparation and intrinsic motivation were the strongest significant unique positive predictors of peak screen acting performance. The fifth study (N = 152) assessed whether flow accounted for the variance in peak screen acting performances. Standard multiple regressions revealed that flow significantly accounted for general performance and the peak performance state. The challenge-skills balance, concentration on the task at hand, action-awareness merging, and the autotelic experience positively and uniquely predicted general performance and/or the peak performance state. In summary, the current research generated new knowledge that has theoretical and practical implications for performance in screen acting. One major contribution is the hierarchy of needs which outlines a structured approach for attaining peak performance in screen acting. The hierarchy of needs highlights the importance of actors cultivating not only preparation and performance skills, but also positive psychological qualities and professional interpersonal skills. Thus, peak performance in screen acting is suggested to involve an interaction of skill-based, psychological, and interpersonal factors. Using clinical and positive psychology principles, actors may increase their performance potential by developing performance self-efficacy, acceptance, and performance pressure management strategies. Moreover, actors are recommended to make intrinsically motivated career and performance choices. Building professional interpersonal skills and relationships through training and networking may further support actors reach peak performances.