Embodied mindfulness: performance training for deaf and hearing actors
Mindfulness is a cultivated state of awareness which has been shown to enhance psychological resilience, emotion regulation, and well-being. Mindfulness training entails the development of particular modes of attention, intention, body awareness and presence - all of which are also foundational skills for the performer. Evidence suggests that a mindfulness training programme for performers would develop key professional skills whilst at the same time enhancing performers' mental health resilience, currently an area of concern.
	The proposed project will develop and test the efficacy of a mindfulness training programme for Deaf and hearing performers through an exploration of mindfulness practices which focus on the body. The ER will examine the role of the physiological mechanisms which underpin awareness, and which are instrumental in the development of mindfulness; these are interoception, proprioception and exteroception. The ER will use the resulting information to design an embodied mindfulness practice for performers.
	The project utilises an innovative practice-led research methodology, with two groups of subjects: Deaf and hearing actors. The ER will investigate, document, discuss and provide evidence-based support for a performance training practice that can deliver enhancements to both physical awareness and mindfulness. By analysing the links between proprioception, interoception, awareness and mindfulness, and by examining the Deaf experience of embodiment, the ER will contribute new knowledge on the role of the body in mindfulness practice, and will develop an embodied mindfulness training that is fully accessible to both Deaf and hearing actors.