The Vision of a Healing Theater & Film
Trauma-sensitive coaching ensures that the stage and the set are a place where creativity and healing can coexist. By working in a trauma-sensitive way, we create a theater or film production that not only moves and challenges, but also protects and strengthens.
Why is trauma-sensitive work important in acting?
Trauma sensitivity is crucial because actors often experience emotional vulnerability through their work, which can lead to (re-)traumatization if they are not properly supported or provided for. Many of the artists are not aware of their trauma, which makes it all the more important to take precautions to protect people, maintain and improve the quality of the production. Theater and film productions often work with intense emotional themes and scenes that can reactivate traumatic conscious and unconscious memories in those involved. A trauma-sensitive program protects those involved by giving them tools and techniques to deal with intense emotional challenges without endangering their mental health. It ensures that artistic depth and authenticity are maintained without crossing boundaries. By designing the production in a trauma-sensitive manner, potential dangers can be prevented. On-set coaching can be used to intervene and provide follow-up care if a person is overwhelmed psychologically.
For actors
- protection against (re-)traumatization
- During their work, actors consciously expose themselves to emotionally intense situations that can reactivate old, conscious or unconscious traumas.
- A trauma-sensitive approach protects them from crossing boundaries that could endanger their mental health.
- Recognizing and raising awareness of one's own trauma
- Many actors are unaware of their own trauma, which increases their emotional vulnerability while working.
- Through trauma-sensitive work, they learn to recognize and respect their limits in order to avoid (re-)traumatization.
- improving the quality of acting
- A conscious approach to traumatic topics enables actors to engage with their roles confidently and authentically.
- The result is deeper, more authentic portrayals that are enhanced by inner security.
- Strengthening psychological resilience and professional skills
- Trauma-sensitive work teaches actors methods for coping with stress and increasing resilience, which increases their general psychological resilience.
- Actors learn self-protection techniques that are useful not only on stage but also in their private lives.
For theater and film productions
- Creating a safe working environment
- Trauma-sensitive guidelines create a trusting atmosphere in which everyone involved feels safe.
- This promotes a positive working atmosphere and strengthens cooperation and communication within the team.
- Avoiding failures and psychological stress
- Traumatic stress on set or on stage can lead to sick leave and disruption of production processes.
- Trauma-sensitive measures reduce the risk of such failures, which saves resources and costs in the long term.
- Ensuring the quality and depth of artistic work
- By considering trauma-sensitive methods, actors can fill their roles authentically without endangering themselves.
- A protected atmosphere makes it possible to delve deeply into challenging emotional scenes while still maintaining boundaries.
- Training and support of the entire team
- A trauma-sensitive production also includes the team behind the camera or stage: directors, cameramen and costume and set designers should be trained to work with actors in a trauma-sensitive manner.
- An understanding of trauma-sensitive practices can lead to respectful collaboration and avoid conflict.
- Providing a trauma-sensitive program and resources
- Production can provide tools and contact points so that employees can get support when needed.
- For example, specially trained coaches or psychologists could be available as contact persons to offer support in stressful moments.
on-set consulting
- Immediate on-site support
- An on-set coach supports actors and the production team during intense scenes that could cause emotional overload.
- The coach offers targeted psychological support and can intervene in cases of acute stress.
- Promoting artistic performance and safety
- The presence of an on-set coach creates a safe space that allows for authentic, intense performance without putting the actors' mental health at risk.
- The coach supports both actors and the production in maintaining the balance between emotional depth and personal safety.
By working in a trauma-sensitive manner and providing on-set counseling, the safety of all those involved is increased and the artistic depth and authenticity of the performance is sustainably promoted.