What do actors actually experience when they are acting in theatre? This study is a detailed and provocative examination of this not previously researched question. Using Whitehead, Levinas, Merleau-Ponty and other philosophers, psychologists and phenomenologists, this work gives a fascinating insight into the inner world of the actor. The study also looks at actor training and how this impacts performance experience. The study is jam packed with exciting new ideas, with lots of concept mapping and fascinating case studies. In all eight actors shared their stories about performing and the results are most surprising. In the study professional and experienced actors are compared to those who are in training and just beginning. This work is for anyone with a more than casual interest in performance studies, acting, actor training and what happens in the moments between actors and their audiences.