Professional theatre actors: environmental and socio-occupational use of voice

To investigate the occurrence of vocal complaints and symptoms among professional theatre actors, and its relationship with environmental aspects of this professional activity and with the history of specialized intervention.

Cross-sectional study with 48 professional actors who answered a questionnaire regarding vocal and extra-vocal complaints, as well as environmental aspects, habits and demands related to their professional activity in the theatre. A specific previously structured protocol (PROTEA) was used for this purpose.

Previous history of acting vocal training was reported by 40 (83.3%) subjects. The most used resources were vocal warming, hydrating therapy, and alternative methods. Vocal difficulties in day-to-day demands were reported by 14 (35.0%) subjects, and eight (16.7%) of them noticed these difficulties since the beginning of their career. During performances, 14 (29.2%) reported difficulties coordinating breathing and speaking. All actors interviewed consider vocal health important for theatre acting. Most actors denied difficulties regarding vocal projection, breathing and/or articulation of words in scene. However, the Italian stage seems to be more related to difficulties coordinating breathing and speaking than the arena theater (p=0.00).

In spite of professional actors who have a history of training and orientation regarding the use of professional voice, a significant portion of them have complaints related to professional voice use, especially associated to the environment conditions at work.