Dr. Linda Hamilton's ground breaking book, The Person Behind the Mask: A Guide to Performing Arts Psychology, takes the reader on a vivid journey of the performer's private world, where personal insecurity often wages an unsuccessful battle against the stresses of the profession-whether these are unrealistic weight requirements, debilitating injuries, or stage fright. Intended for performers, teachers, and health-care workers, this is a book that describes the psychological problems of the stage, with a focus on education and prevention.
IntroductionTRAINING CONSIDERATIONS FOR PERFORMERSSelection and Self-InvestmentThe Role of MentoringTechnical StandardsWork and IdentityWEIGHT STANDARDS FOR THE STAGE AND SCREENDefining Physical ParametersThe Dancer's DilemmaThe Etiology of Eating DisordersThe Case of GingerPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN THE ARTSThe Family UnitThe Stage ParentPeer ReviewTransference and the Role of the LeaderFOCUSING THE SPOTLIGHT ON PERFORMANCEThe Quest for ApprovalDiscrepancies Between the Real and Ideal SelfThe Etiology of Performance AnxietyThe Case of LeonOCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AND RETIREMENTWork Hazards Among PerformersPhysical Stress and InjuriesThe Emotional Costs of DisabilityRelinquishing the DreamPERFORMING ARTS PSYCHOLOGYDeveloping a ProficiencyTreatment ProtocolsEthical Issues in the Care of PerformersFuture DirectionsAppendix: An Overview of NarcissismResource DirectoryReferencesAuthor IndexSubject Index