The objective of this study is to position the Ethnoacting in VR intervention within the broader context of educational approaches that use dramatic techniques to enhance resilience among acting students. Grounded in the Interacting Cognitive Subsystems theory from psychology, the rationale suggests that repeated exposure to testimonies reflecting resilient attitudes can strengthen resilience skills in acting students.
This study addresses the prevalent issues of anxiety and depression among acting students, which impact their wellbeing and career prospects. It encourages higher education institutions to adopt innovative strategies to cultivate resilience. The approach emphasises experiential learning interventions that not only improve student well-being and employability but also support long-term soft skill development through internal self-growth and modelling.
The intervention was tested with acting students in January 2025 at the University of East London. Survey research results will be published in:
Stamatiou, E., Thoma, V., & Sanni, O. (forthcoming 2025). Ethnoacting in VR for Resilience in Theatre Students: A Stanislavsky-inspired intervention. In Stamatiou, E. & Carnicke, S. M. (Eds.), Stanislavsky and Actor Training for the Screen, Routledge.