Coactors

Coactors are individuals who perform alongside others in a shared production or task. In theatre and film, coactors are fellow performers who appear in the same scenes and contribute to the overall performance. They work under a director, aligning blocking, pacing, and intent to create cohesive storytelling. The term often overlaps with co-stars or ensemble cast, though emphasis may differ depending on context.

In addition to performing arts, coactors have a distinct meaning in psychology and organizational behavior. Here, coactors are participants who perform the same or different tasks simultaneously in the presence of others. The presence of coactors can influence performance through social facilitation, sometimes improving speed and accuracy on simple, well-practiced tasks, and sometimes impairing performance on complex or novel tasks. This effect is contrasted with audience effects, where observers do not actively participate in the task.

Practically, the success of a production or study involving coactors depends on coordination, communication, and mutual responsiveness. In creative settings, clear collaboration among coactors helps manage timing and interpretive choices, supporting a believable and compelling performance. In research or practice settings, careful design considers the number of coactors, task similarity, and social dynamics to predict or control performance outcomes.

See also: ensemble acting, co-starring, collaborative performance.