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. Actors are the most important element of the overall "symphony" known as The Story, the instruments directors use to effectively tell that 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. Actors who have worked hard to develop their actors instrument are the ones who most often enrich a story, by bringing complex, interesting characters to the vision.
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. Internal and external expressions are necessary, and actors that study the Meisner technique know how to integrate them all in a fascinating way to create their "instrument." 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. Studying of each of these aspects of acting and working hard to develop them all equally is what creates the stand out actor who can handle any role. By working on them all, and using them to create fascinating characters and powerful performances, the best actors have creating lasting impressions.
Physical expression is extremely important and controlling that and using the physical space around them well is also key to great performances. Meisner acting in nyc helps actors to fully explore their habits of physical expression and movement, and how that differs from that of a character and how that can be used to improve your versatility in any performance setting. Movements onstage in a theatre piece are very different than movements that are right for the camera. As an actor you must have studied physical expressions in depth to be able to adjust for new situations and roles.
If you think about it, the world is full of actors who use a certain personality to create their roles, always using similar physical expressions to create characters. Take a moment and you can probably think of several working actors in this category. Developing a charismatic personality, one that intrigues an audience is an important aspect of the instrument. There are many legendary actors who use physical expression as an art form to literally create a fictional, yet very real person. Think of award winners Meryl Streep, Daniel Day Lewis or Johnny Depp.
Physical expression, when mastered, has given us the likes of Jim Carrey, John Wayne and Jodie Foster. These are just a few of the actors that have an ability to develop a strong and unique physical aspects to their characters. 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.
This is not to say that tricks like limping or changing a facial expression to show a mood is all that is required. You must inhabit the created physical world of the production in a physical way that is truthful and be able to do it before there are physical crutches like sets, props, costumes and make up. The greatest actors use physical space and physical expression to enhance and express all other aspects of the instrument. Working hard to develop strong physical abilities will make you more timeless as an actor and more versatile. Charisma, and a strong presence onstage or on camera is important but, it may not be enough to get you the most challenging parts. Master physical expression, and the use of physical space to tell a story and enrich the other aspects of your actors instrument and you will be on your way to becoming great.
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. Internal and external expressions are necessary, and actors that study the Meisner technique know how to integrate them all in a fascinating way to create their "instrument." 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. Studying of each of these aspects of acting and working hard to develop them all equally is what creates the stand out actor who can handle any role. By working on them all, and using them to create fascinating characters and powerful performances, the best actors have creating lasting impressions.
Physical expression is extremely important and controlling that and using the physical space around them well is also key to great performances. Meisner acting in nyc helps actors to fully explore their habits of physical expression and movement, and how that differs from that of a character and how that can be used to improve your versatility in any performance setting. Movements onstage in a theatre piece are very different than movements that are right for the camera. As an actor you must have studied physical expressions in depth to be able to adjust for new situations and roles.
If you think about it, the world is full of actors who use a certain personality to create their roles, always using similar physical expressions to create characters. Take a moment and you can probably think of several working actors in this category. Developing a charismatic personality, one that intrigues an audience is an important aspect of the instrument. There are many legendary actors who use physical expression as an art form to literally create a fictional, yet very real person. Think of award winners Meryl Streep, Daniel Day Lewis or Johnny Depp.
Physical expression, when mastered, has given us the likes of Jim Carrey, John Wayne and Jodie Foster. These are just a few of the actors that have an ability to develop a strong and unique physical aspects to their characters. 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.
This is not to say that tricks like limping or changing a facial expression to show a mood is all that is required. You must inhabit the created physical world of the production in a physical way that is truthful and be able to do it before there are physical crutches like sets, props, costumes and make up. The greatest actors use physical space and physical expression to enhance and express all other aspects of the instrument. Working hard to develop strong physical abilities will make you more timeless as an actor and more versatile. Charisma, and a strong presence onstage or on camera is important but, it may not be enough to get you the most challenging parts. Master physical expression, and the use of physical space to tell a story and enrich the other aspects of your actors instrument and you will be on your way to becoming great.
About the Author:
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides acting classes in NYC for serious actors. Find out more about meisner acting nyc at the studio website or read this article about emotional preparation.
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