A practical study on the effects that improved physical health and diet have on an actor's performance: A reflective evaluation of the practical process

Abstract

Health is vital to everyone and especially so to an actor. Having an active and demanding job should mean that the individual should be at their constant best, however, this is not always the case. This study aims to prove this theory correct, by carrying out a practical study on the effects that improved physical health and diet have on an actor's performance. This qualitative dissertation will use the author herself as a participant -- she will improve her lifestyle by means of diet, exercise and sleeping pattern for four consecutive months and reflect and observe any differences. This projected will use the British definition of health as outlined by the National Health Service and private dietitian Nicola Sankey. To be able to observe any changes the same show will be performed twice once at the start of the study and once at the end, after the improved lifestyle. Particular focus of how energy, motivation and capability improved throughout the project. After four months of practical research this dissertation gained a deeper understanding about the actor's process for this individual, observing improvements in areas such as stamina, voice and technique.