ABSTRACT
While our characters often treat each other abominably, an atmosphere of support and trust is important in classes, rehearsals, and backstage at the theatre. The willingness to subjectively explore the secrets of the human psyche and share these findings with an audience in performance is a courageous act. It is very important that an environment is created in acting classes and rehearsals that supports this and encourages risk taking. A necessary ingredient for creating conditions most favorable for the creative state is a creative space. Here the actor can develop her acting skills and rehearse material for future performances in a supportive but challenging and stimulating environment. Everyone in the class or rehearsal room needs to get on board developing and maintaining the creative space. As psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi mentions, “Distractions disrupt flow, and it may take hours to recover the peace of mind one needs to get on with the work.”2
