Behind the velvet curtain, where spotlights cast long shadows, audiences hold their breath, and performers often face battles, the true drama unfolds far from the public eye. There are whispers backstage, stories of actors who arrive pale and feverish, yet vanish into their roles as if it were magic. The true wonder begins not with the script, but with a phenomenon called ‘Doctor Theater’ that blurs the line between mind and body, as revealed by a conversation with Emma Stone.

What hidden force drives actors to deliver flawless performances, even when their bodies protest?

In her recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Emma Stone sheds light on the Doctor Theater phenomenon, a term used among performers to describe a shift that occurs in high-pressure environments. Stone suggested a "professional play" after hearing about Diego Luna stepping off the stage when he fell ill. Stone explains, “When you’re in a high-pressure environment like that where you have to perform live or whatever, you all of a sudden aren’t sick anymore, it’s like the doctor of theater.” This effect highlights how adrenaline and focus can override physical discomfort, allowing actors to deliver their best performances even when unwell.

That same commitment shines in Emma Stone’s latest role as Louise Cross in Eddington, Ari Aster’s ambitious new action comedy debuting in theaters on July 18, 2025. The film, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, is set in the fictional town of Eddington, New Mexico, where a pandemic-era standoff between a sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and a mayor (Pedro Pascal) leads to social and political chaos. As tensions escalate, Stone’s portrayal brings a striking depth to all the characters she has ever played, leaving audiences to wonder what truly drives her transformative performances. 

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 Emma Stone makes sure to justify all her character effortlessly. But the question remains, how does Stone transform herself so completely for every role she takes on?

Emma Stone further revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live that her process for getting into character is deeply personal. Stone shares, “I was, I think, maybe like sixteen, I started picking a perfume, like a scent, for every character.” This unique approach allows Stone to create a sensory connection to each role, making her performances more immersive and memorable. Each fragrance becomes a subtle yet powerful anchor, instantly transporting her back into the mindset of her character.

Emma Stone further explained that this method helped her fully inhabit her characters, as the chosen scent becomes an anchor to the emotions required for each role. Stone’s honesty about battling stage anxiety and using small personal rituals to connect with her characters reminds us that even the brightest stars rely on simple, relatable habits to bring extraordinary stories to life.

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What do you think about Emma Stone's way of dealing with stage fright and adopting a character? Let us know in the comments below.