The Science - methods
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Traditional neuroscience methods rely on controlled experiments in the lab. In this project, we wanted to take the lab into the theatre and push the limits of our data collection methods. We aimed to find out if it is possible to record meaningful brain imaging data from actors as they perform, and how taking on a role changes brain activation patterns.
In our four rehearsal sessions, we collected simultaneous data from pairs of actors performing different tasks including walking, speaking and acting. This includes 22 channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) from prefrontal cortex, full body motion capture, physiological recordings (heartbeat + breathing), video and audio. On stage in two performances, we collected fNIRS data from one actor (playing Bottom). We also collected motion sensor data from 5 actors and up to 15 audience members. 
What is fNIRS?
functional near-infrared spectroscopy uses infrared light to measure blood flow in the surface of the cortex. From these measurements, we can infer the levels of brain activity in the cortex. This is a wearable technology which is robust to motion, making it ideal for the study of dynamic social interactions. In this project, we used two Shimadzu LIGHTNIRS systems. |
Preparing to collect data in rehearsal (above) |
The Science - Results
The results shown here are our preliminary analyses from the rehearsal data. More detailed analyses and papers will follow.
Question 1 - How does acting change your sense of self?
Hearing your own name is a compelling and meaningful social signal that attracts your attention. In both infants and adults, hearing your own name engages medial prefrontal cortex. We wanted to know if this effect can be measured with fNIRS in adults, and if it is differs with context. That is, do actors respond to their name when they are acting, in the same way as when they are not acting?
During the rehearsals, we called the actor's names at specific times and analysed the brain responses to these events. We find strong activation of prefrontal cortex when hearing your own name when actor was not acting (left picture). The same pattern (slightly stronger) was present when the actor was acting (right picture). The next analysis will test if this is true for all the actors.
Question 1 - How does acting change your sense of self?
Hearing your own name is a compelling and meaningful social signal that attracts your attention. In both infants and adults, hearing your own name engages medial prefrontal cortex. We wanted to know if this effect can be measured with fNIRS in adults, and if it is differs with context. That is, do actors respond to their name when they are acting, in the same way as when they are not acting?
During the rehearsals, we called the actor's names at specific times and analysed the brain responses to these events. We find strong activation of prefrontal cortex when hearing your own name when actor was not acting (left picture). The same pattern (slightly stronger) was present when the actor was acting (right picture). The next analysis will test if this is true for all the actors.
Question 2 - Are there consistent and repeatable brain activity patterns across different scenes?
How do these compare across actors?
The video below shows the average brain activity of two actors playing Cobweb (shorter figure) and the Bee (taller figure) as Cobweb catches the Bee. The 7 videos shows the actions performed in the 7 repeats of this scene. The two actors perform quite different actions which are tightly coordinated, and their brain activity patterns are remarkably similar.
