Dramatherapy and the healing aspects of acting : steps towards a theatrical model

This paper illustrates the healing effects--psychological and emotional--of organic acting techniques, and attempts to adapt these techniques to dramatherapy, in order to create the beginnings of a new theatrical model. This work is heuristically influenced, as it involves the researcher writing and performing a dramatic piece, and charting the process, in order to further test the belief in the therapeutic benefits of truthful acting. The theatrical model that emerges emphasizes the importance of improvisational exercises--on their own, or as a lead into work on character and text. Also discussed is the selection of appropriate role for the client, as well as how to apply the improvisational techniques to text work. Finally, there is an illustration of a hypothetical dramatherapy session. From past experience, and present research, the conclusion is drawn that these processes are indeed healing, and are viable therapeutic tools to be used in dramatherapy