Hypnosis as a Tool for Theatrical Performance
Tiago Garcia, Valdenilson Ribas
International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis June 1, 2026 DOI: 10.1080/00207144.2026.2660984 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 32 |
| Population | Actors |
| Intervention | Hypnosis |
| Keywords | Hypnosis Hypnotic susceptibility Immersion mathematics Cognition Suggestibility Psychotherapist Clinical psychology Cognitive psychology Developmental psychology |
| Key findings | Hypnosis significantly enhanced actors' immersion and ability to authentically represent characters, independent of gender. |
Abstract
Hypnosis has been described as a tool that facilitates immersion into roles by modulating cognitive and attentional processes. This study aimed to evaluate how hypnosis can help actors create and interpret characters. Previous research has occasionally reported gender differences in hypnotic susceptibility and responses to hypnotic interventions. Although not a primary aim of this study, gender-related variations in hypnotizability were explored as secondary findings. Sixteen male and sixteen female actors performed two distinct roles, a firefighter and a fire victim, randomly assigned under hypnotic and non-hypnotic conditions. The Elkins Hypnotizability Scale (EHS) was used to measure individual hypnotizability. Participants completed post-performance questionnaires to assess perceived improvements in role absorption and character engagement. Results demonstrated that hypnosis significantly enhanced actors' immersion and their ability to authentically represent characters, independent of gender. These findings suggest that hypnosis can improve role congruence and acting performance, offering a valuable tool for theatrical training and performance enhancement.