Does audience size influence actors' and spectators' emotions the same way?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Performance Studies
• Social Neuroscience

Background:

• Understanding audience size effects on public performance is crucial for performers' anxiety and achievement, and for audience appreciation.
• Previous research has not fully explored the differential impact of audience size on performers versus observers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how audience size influences the emotions and behaviors of both actors and spectators during live theatrical performances.
• To compare the perceptions and emotional responses of performers and observers across varying audience sizes.

Main Methods:

• A naturalistic study analyzing self-assessment questionnaires, Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), and behavioral observations.
• Data collected from actors and spectators during theatrical performances with small, medium, and large audiences.

Main Results:

• Actors and spectators exhibited distinct perceptions regarding the influence of audience size.
• Audience size differentially affected cognitive, physiological, and behavioral components of emotion, modulated by individual status.
• Discrepancies were observed in how actors and spectators represented each other's emotional states.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the audience effect in public performances.
• Findings suggest that audience size influences performers and observers in unique ways, impacting emotional experiences and behaviors.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the interplay between audience size, performer, and observer emotions.