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SBillew Dissertation Final.pdf (1.09 MB)

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Holding on to the basics: using the 3-D performance pyramid to improve skill retention in the introduction to acting classroom

Billew, Barrett Slade, Billew
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2697-4511
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1467057899

Abstract Details

2016, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, Theatre.
In this study, I combine my background in actor training with the athletics training methods of Scott Sonnon to consider ways to introduce psychophysical stress into the training of beginning acting students. I contend that the incremental introduction of stress into the learning process allows beginning acting students to better retain newly learned skills. To examine this contention I taught a section of the Acting Principles course in the Theatre department at Bowling Green State University in the fall of 2013. This course was designed using Sonnon’s Three Dimensional Performance Pyramid, which is a pedagogical model for learning new skills and training attributes while stress testing those skills and attributes. I taught introductory elements of Stanislavskian acting, but combined it with specific stress management tools, and with regular stress testing throughout the semester. I then analyze the practical work through a mix of personal observation and data analysis. Students completed tests at three points during the semester. Some of these tests checked their understanding of the course content and their personal experience of the acting process. The other tests were personality tests. Each of these personality tests was intended to measure one of sport psychologist Roland Carlstedt’s three Primary Higher Order factors for performance under stress: Absorption, Neuroticism, and Repressive Coping. I found much to recommend this approach. I discuss ways in which student’s understanding and acting work improved over the course of the semester. I reflect on the range of student responses in detail. Further, I learned many lessons about this type of research and the application of scientific research in the acting classroom. I also spend significant time reflecting on this process and considering ways to best approach research that bridges the performing arts and the humanities.
Jonathan Chambers, PhD (Committee Chair)
Geoffrey Meek, PhD (Other)
Lesa Lockford, PhD (Committee Member)
Cynthia Baron, PhD (Committee Member)
179 p.
Theater
Acting Theory; Sports Psychology; Performance Fears; Beginning Acting

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Billew, Billew, B. S. (2016). Holding on to the basics: using the 3-D performance pyramid to improve skill retention in the introduction to acting classroom [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1467057899

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Billew, Billew, Barrett. Holding on to the basics: using the 3-D performance pyramid to improve skill retention in the introduction to acting classroom. 2016. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1467057899.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Billew, Billew, Barrett. "Holding on to the basics: using the 3-D performance pyramid to improve skill retention in the introduction to acting classroom." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 2016. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1467057899

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1467057899
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© 2016, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.