Most artists — including actors, dancers and musicians — undertake specialised training in technical and artistic skills from a very early age.
Contrary to what might be expected, early exposure to high levels of specialisation can lead to significant developmental challenges, particularly in relation to the coping strategies that are, or are not, developed within an environment where the level of competition is itself extremely demanding.
The purpose of intervention in this area is to address developmental challenges that may have emerged throughout an artist’s career — such as anxiety management, stage fright and maintaining motivation in the face of adversity, among others — or, from an optimisation perspective, to promote overall development through the implementation of a psychological and emotional skills training programme designed to support optimal performance.
Examples include the development of determination, emotional regulation, concentration, resilience and intrinsic motivation, among other skills essential to sustainable high performance.