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Feeling in Theatre

• Definition:
    - The combination of physical (bodily) and mental (emotional) responses to a performance.
    - Experienced through our senses and body.

Embodied Experience

• Definition:
    - The notion that theatre is experienced through our physical bodies and senses, rather than merely through thoughts.

Stimuli

• Definition:
    - Any elements in the environment that our senses detect and respond to.

Affect

• Definition:
    - Automatic, physical body responses to stimuli, such as:
      - Increased heart rate
      - Sweating
      - Goosebumps
    - Occurs prior to conscious thought.

Physiological Response

• Definition:
    - Bodily reactions triggered by stimuli, which include:
      - Adrenaline release
      - Muscle tension
      - Increased heart rate

Arousal

• Definition:
    - The state of physical activation in the body in response to stimuli.

Emotion

• Definition:
    - The brain’s interpretation of bodily (affective) responses, detailing how we understand what our body is experiencing.

William James Theory of Emotion

• Concept:
    - Proposes that emotions arise from the mind’s interpretation of physical bodily changes.

Mood

• Definition:
    - A general background atmosphere or feeling that influences perception and response to stimuli.

Atmosphere

• Definition:
    - The overall feeling or tone of a space, which shapes perception and is similar to mood.

Affect vs Emotion

• Differences:
    - Affect: Refers to the physical reactions of the body.
    - Emotion: Refers to the mind’s interpretation of those physical reactions.

Mood vs Emotion

• Differences:
    - Mood: A general background state that is more persistent.
    - Emotion: A specific, labeled feeling (such as fear or happiness).

Mood Influence on Perception

• Concept:
    - Mood affects our attention to and interpretation of stimuli.

Theatre and Mood

• Components:
    - Elements such as music and lighting work together to create mood.
    - These elements shape audience reactions and emotions.

Key Process in Emotional Response

• Model:
    - Process flow:
      - Stimulus → Affect (bodily reaction) → Emotion (mental interpretation)
    - Note: Each stage is influenced by mood.