Simulating reality: Stage actors’ emotional labour strategies and experienced outcomes

Abstract

The study aims to explore emotional labour strategies and the associated outcomes among stage actors. Data were gathered over one-to-one qualitative interviews with seven theatre actors. Acting experience ranged from three to 42 years. Five emotional labour strategies emerged, i.e. (1) technical work, (2) relying on inner resources, (3) empathizing with a character, (4) transforming self and (5) relying on others. The outcomes of emotional labour extended from benign to pernicious, encompassing four themes: (1) fusion of professional–personal identities, (2) overidentification with a character, (3) constructive outcomes (emotional intelligence and superior performance onstage) and (4) conditional factors (individual characteristics and peculiarities of the play). This article raises awareness of emotional labour strategies and outcomes. Interpretation of findings viewing from an organizational psychology perspective allows to identify potential impact of organizational factors and consider practices that address mental health at work, work–life balance and personal–professional identity fusion among stage actors.