The Meisner acting technique often refers to something known as the actors instrument. While directors and actors are sometimes at odds due to creative differences, the truth is actors are the instruments, the components, that make up a successful production with a director as a conductor. Creative differences may find actors and directors at odds, but the actors are the instruments directors use somewhat like a conductor to tell a story. The actors instrument is what the actor uses to channel the vision of the writer and director, creating the most artful, interesting character they can to make the vision a reality. The actors instrument is the most valuable element in any project, for without complex, fascinating characters there really is no story.
Making beautiful sounds is the instrument's created purpose, while actors use not only sound but physical characteristics and other very subtle forms of expression that are uniquely human. Actors use the Meisner technique to develop as many of these forms of expression as they can, which working together make up "the instrument" an actor uses. There are six parts that comprise the actors instrument, generally, and they can be listed as Intelligence, Emotion, Sensory expression, Imagination, Empathy and Physical expression. By mastering as many of these aspects as possible, and working hard at developing all of them, an actor has the ability to take on any role. Some of the most successful, award winning actors have mastered all six of these forms of expression.
Physical expression is extremely important and controlling that and using the physical space around them well is also key to great performances. Actors who study Meisner in nyc learn how to explore their physical expressions, habits and non verbal behavior and subvert of convert that into good performances. Acting onstage requires a different movement technique and physical expressions than when you act for film. An actor needs to adjust for any situation and have a huge repertoire of physical expressions techniques memorized.
Personality actors can be very successful, translating a personality they have developed into many characters over the course of their careers. There are easily ten or fifteen actors who fall into this category that you can list without thinking too hard. An actor can become extremely successful by learning how to create and channel a charismatic personality, by using both internal and external components of the instrument. Great actors have the ability to use physical expression to completely alter their appearance by using facial, and body movement. A list that would include Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep or Daniel Day Lewis.
Many actors in the history of stage and film have been strong physical actors, such as Stallone, John Wayne and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Actors that have an ability to develop and project strong physical characteristics to express character can handle any role. Going one step deeper as an actor means learning how to alter how they move and express themselves truthfully in a physical way to portray character.
It is not simply a matter of walking differently or changing a facial expression to portray a feeling. The art of becoming a character in a physical way is an incredible challenge, but it also means existing in a physical way in a newly created physical space. A great actor is one who has not only mastered the art of physical space and expression but can use it to reflect all other aspects of the instrument. The most versatile actors have worked hard to develop this. There are charismatic actors in abundance but, over the long haul it may not be enough to keep you working. By mastering physical expression and integrating it with the other aspects of the actors instrument an actor will find themselves working at more and more challenging roles.
Making beautiful sounds is the instrument's created purpose, while actors use not only sound but physical characteristics and other very subtle forms of expression that are uniquely human. Actors use the Meisner technique to develop as many of these forms of expression as they can, which working together make up "the instrument" an actor uses. There are six parts that comprise the actors instrument, generally, and they can be listed as Intelligence, Emotion, Sensory expression, Imagination, Empathy and Physical expression. By mastering as many of these aspects as possible, and working hard at developing all of them, an actor has the ability to take on any role. Some of the most successful, award winning actors have mastered all six of these forms of expression.
Physical expression is extremely important and controlling that and using the physical space around them well is also key to great performances. Actors who study Meisner in nyc learn how to explore their physical expressions, habits and non verbal behavior and subvert of convert that into good performances. Acting onstage requires a different movement technique and physical expressions than when you act for film. An actor needs to adjust for any situation and have a huge repertoire of physical expressions techniques memorized.
Personality actors can be very successful, translating a personality they have developed into many characters over the course of their careers. There are easily ten or fifteen actors who fall into this category that you can list without thinking too hard. An actor can become extremely successful by learning how to create and channel a charismatic personality, by using both internal and external components of the instrument. Great actors have the ability to use physical expression to completely alter their appearance by using facial, and body movement. A list that would include Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep or Daniel Day Lewis.
Many actors in the history of stage and film have been strong physical actors, such as Stallone, John Wayne and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Actors that have an ability to develop and project strong physical characteristics to express character can handle any role. Going one step deeper as an actor means learning how to alter how they move and express themselves truthfully in a physical way to portray character.
It is not simply a matter of walking differently or changing a facial expression to portray a feeling. The art of becoming a character in a physical way is an incredible challenge, but it also means existing in a physical way in a newly created physical space. A great actor is one who has not only mastered the art of physical space and expression but can use it to reflect all other aspects of the instrument. The most versatile actors have worked hard to develop this. There are charismatic actors in abundance but, over the long haul it may not be enough to keep you working. By mastering physical expression and integrating it with the other aspects of the actors instrument an actor will find themselves working at more and more challenging roles.
About the Author:
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides acting classes in NYC for serious actors. Find out more about meisner technique at the studio website or read this article about emotional preparation.
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