By studying the Meisner Technique, actors have a chance to explore the concept of the actors instrument. The instrument analogy can be helpful when breaking down all the various aspects that can determine how good an actor is. Audience members are quick to determine whether actors are portraying a new reality well enough to hold their attention. But, can we pinpoint what makes us feel that way? If this is the case, it is likely that the actors instrument is just not well developed.
The actors instrument as six general categories. Those elements include emotional expression, sensory expression, physical expression, empathy and intelligence. These six aspects of the actors instrument are identified and developed when studying the Meisner Technique. It is easy even for non actors to identify professional actors who have mastered the different aspects of their "instrument." Legendary actors are those that have mastered all six.
For example, an actor like Stallone is known mainly for his physical expression and presence. Stallone is certainly able to express emotionally, but overall his most powerful tool onscreen is his physical expression. For Stallone, emotion is an internal process but it is reflected in a very physical way. Actors must focus and learn about all the aspects of the acting instrument, which will help them be diverse and capable of many types of roles.
Actors often focus mainly on emotional expression, thinking it to be the most important. How a character feels about something and delivering lines powered by that feeling is a very common practice for newer actors. One of the most important, but certainly not the only tool to master is the emotional expression aspect of the actors instrument. It's important to remember, however, that each of the six aspects of the instrument are related and must be developed and work together.
Meaning in a story is derived mainly from the emotional expression of its characters. It clues the audience in to what the character is about, the conflicts they face, what their deepest needs are. Meisner acting in nyc is very popular, and these actors work hard to develop an emotional composite of a character, which they in turn, figure out how to express using the other aspects of the instrument. In Meisner acting students study emotions diligently, their own and those of others. They work hard to create a foundation of human emotion and way of communicating based on real people and fictional characters. Specific characters can be created by delving very deep into the imagination and using the "library" of human behavior they have created. They create and live the emotional life that the character would live so that it is instilled in them and can be called upon at will.
Vulnerability, for example is an expression of the emotion of insecurity. It's one thing for an actor to understand that and work with it. If the actor has also worked hard to develop other aspects of the instrument, such as imagination, sensory expression and intelligence, the complexity of emotions will be there. A single tear, without words can accomplish this, but how about a sense of vulnerability shown while one is smashing a clock to pieces? These are very nuanced yet, essential things to study.
Acting is not pretending to have an emotion. However, acting is not simply reciting words using certain inflections and gestures to communicate emotions. Sanford Meisner was often heard to say, "acting is DOING." Being in the moment, and opening up completely to whatever emotions the character might present to you is the secret of great acting. This may feel risky at first. The best actors do not pretend to feel something, or coach themselves to do anything while in character. There are genuine emotions in their performances, often unpredictable ones that appear as they work as character. Developing a deep capacity to understand and feel the full range of human emotions and experiences is a great way to become an open, flexible acting student, the best kind of student. Give yourself permission to feel fully and strongly, and express it in ways that are physical, intelligent empathetic and real.
The actors instrument as six general categories. Those elements include emotional expression, sensory expression, physical expression, empathy and intelligence. These six aspects of the actors instrument are identified and developed when studying the Meisner Technique. It is easy even for non actors to identify professional actors who have mastered the different aspects of their "instrument." Legendary actors are those that have mastered all six.
For example, an actor like Stallone is known mainly for his physical expression and presence. Stallone is certainly able to express emotionally, but overall his most powerful tool onscreen is his physical expression. For Stallone, emotion is an internal process but it is reflected in a very physical way. Actors must focus and learn about all the aspects of the acting instrument, which will help them be diverse and capable of many types of roles.
Actors often focus mainly on emotional expression, thinking it to be the most important. How a character feels about something and delivering lines powered by that feeling is a very common practice for newer actors. One of the most important, but certainly not the only tool to master is the emotional expression aspect of the actors instrument. It's important to remember, however, that each of the six aspects of the instrument are related and must be developed and work together.
Meaning in a story is derived mainly from the emotional expression of its characters. It clues the audience in to what the character is about, the conflicts they face, what their deepest needs are. Meisner acting in nyc is very popular, and these actors work hard to develop an emotional composite of a character, which they in turn, figure out how to express using the other aspects of the instrument. In Meisner acting students study emotions diligently, their own and those of others. They work hard to create a foundation of human emotion and way of communicating based on real people and fictional characters. Specific characters can be created by delving very deep into the imagination and using the "library" of human behavior they have created. They create and live the emotional life that the character would live so that it is instilled in them and can be called upon at will.
Vulnerability, for example is an expression of the emotion of insecurity. It's one thing for an actor to understand that and work with it. If the actor has also worked hard to develop other aspects of the instrument, such as imagination, sensory expression and intelligence, the complexity of emotions will be there. A single tear, without words can accomplish this, but how about a sense of vulnerability shown while one is smashing a clock to pieces? These are very nuanced yet, essential things to study.
Acting is not pretending to have an emotion. However, acting is not simply reciting words using certain inflections and gestures to communicate emotions. Sanford Meisner was often heard to say, "acting is DOING." Being in the moment, and opening up completely to whatever emotions the character might present to you is the secret of great acting. This may feel risky at first. The best actors do not pretend to feel something, or coach themselves to do anything while in character. There are genuine emotions in their performances, often unpredictable ones that appear as they work as character. Developing a deep capacity to understand and feel the full range of human emotions and experiences is a great way to become an open, flexible acting student, the best kind of student. Give yourself permission to feel fully and strongly, and express it in ways that are physical, intelligent empathetic and real.
About the Author:
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides training for serious actors committed to improving their craft. Find out more about meisner acting nyc by reading this article about acting classes by visiting the studio website.
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