Theatre Design & Technology - Fall 2021 - 15

the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex.
The thalamus, located in the center of
the brain, serves as the brain's communication
hub, collecting raw data from the
sensory inputs and routing it throughout
the cerebral cortex. The amygdala, located
next to the thalamus, reacts to the
information on an instinctual level. The
prefrontal cortex, located in the brain's
frontal lobe, thoroughly analyzes the data
and determines the validity of the perceived
threat (Ropeik 2010, 4).
Because of the proximity to the thalamus,
the amygdala is the first part activated
when a threat is detected. Once
alerted, the amygdala immediately and
automatically takes over, effectively
hijacking the brain's rational control
centers. The amygdala takes control
by flooding the brain with a series of
neurotransmitters (chemical signaling
agents) designed to speed up our reaction
times in case the perceived threat is
real (Goleman 2005 14, 29).
In addition to preparing us for battle,
the amygdala is also establishing markers
designed to help us recognize similar
threats, allowing for an even faster
response time, should you encounter a
similar threat in the future (Ropeik 2010,
8). The amygdala is also scanning our
past experiences for similar instances
as it reacts to similar sensory information
(Goleman 2005, 20). This process is
extremely useful and helps us stay alive,
especially if you exist in a dangerous
environment.
Unfortunately, it is not as beneficial
(perhaps even detrimental) in the workplace.
With a more efficient reaction
time, even perceived slights can trigger
us to believe the worst of our colleagues,
seeing threats when none were intended.
It is important to remember that the
amygdala is reacting to a " snapshot, " and
a grainy one at that. It's why an extension
cord may frighten someone with a history
of fears of snakes (Ropeik 2010, 10-11).
By the time the amygdala has finished
preparing the body to react, the prefrontal
cortex has received the information
from the thalamus and begun engaging
cognitive functions to determine
the threat's validity. Once the data is
analyzed, the results are sent back to the
amygdala, telling it if the threat is real.
If the threat is real, we can react in one
of three ways. We can stand our ground
(fight), try to get away (flight) or stay put
THERE IS A
PROTECTIVE
NATURE TO OUR
RISK RESPONSES.
SOMETIMES WE
ARE PROTECTING
OURSELVES OR
OUR INTERESTS.
AT OTHER
TIMES, WE ARE
PROTECTING
THOSE IN OUR
CHARGE.
(freeze) (Ropeik 2010, 2). But regaining
control after determining there is no
threat can be difficult. The rational message
coming from the prefrontal cortex
is pushing against the flood of adrenaline
responsible for creating the heightened
state of readiness. This struggle between
prefrontal logic and amygdala-based reactions
explains why even after eliminating
the perceived threat, we still feel like
we are in fight mode and why we can stay
tense after dismissing the threat (Ropeik
2010, 8).
My sister, Dr. Deb Kraus, a clinical psychologist
specializing in trauma, says that
" because we are not fully rational beings,
we react from strong biological and psychological
underpinnings. Evolutionarily
(the biology of it), we survived by paying
attention to the threats in our environment,
which caused our reptilian brain,
the limbic system, to enter into a state
of hyperarousal. When we can't engage
in either fight or flight, we get stuck, and
this is the moment of trauma when our
capacities are overwhelmed. What follows
is feeling numb, dead, and disengaged.
The goal, then, is to emphasize to
our students the importance of mindfully
knowing where you are in the risk cycle
so you can get yourself back within your
window of tolerance through breathing,
talking to someone, tapping (as in EFT),
or even shaking it out. "
Therefore, it is possible to gain agency
over our reactions and not become subject
to the determinations of our initial
responses. Just as the amygdala is creating
conditions to help us remember the
signs of threat, the prefrontal cortex is
also becoming attuned to, and keeping
track of, the physical signs accompanying
emotional hijackings. The brain is
designed to identify and make sense of
non-verbal cues. Learning to recognize
our emotional triggers can give us the
lead time we need to stop the hijacking
before it occurs.
Risk Perception
" Risk is an uncertain event or condition
that, if it occurs, has an effect on at least
one project objective, such as scope,
cost or quality. " -Project Management
Institute
Risk has two components: A potential
hazard and exposure to that hazard.
Without exposure, there is no risk
(Ropeik 2010, 179). In other words, I can
identify something as inherently dangerous
(or capable of causing discomfort),
but I am not at risk if I am not directly
exposed. But because the amygdala activates
at the perception of a threat, it is
possible to feel at risk in seemingly benign
settings (like meetings) where the danger
is most likely not physical, immediate, or
even real. The threats we feel in meetings
are what Daniel Goleman describes as
" symbolic to self-esteem or dignity: being
treated unjustly or rudely, being insulted
or demeaned, being frustrated in perusing
an important goal. These perceptions
act as the instigating trigger for a limbic
surge " (Goleman 2005, 60).
One conclusion we can draw then, is
that there is a protective nature to our
risk responses. Sometimes we are protecting
ourselves or our interests. At other
times, we are protecting those in our
charge. We can even look at government
regulations as forms of protection and
risk mitigation rather than edicts or irrational
impositions. Organizational Health
and Safety Administration (OSHA)
regulations, for instance, prescribe
safety protocols for job sites, and when
properly employed, mitigating (or preferably
eliminating altogether) the risks
associated with the work. Now that we
FALL 2021 | THEATRE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY | 15
Theatre Design & Technology - Fall 2021

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