The actors instrument is something actors may have heard before, especially if they study the Meisner acting technique. 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 vision of the writer and director cannot be realized unless talented actors are able to use their actors instrument and make that vision truthful and real. The actors instrument is the most valuable element in any project, for without complex, fascinating characters there really is no story.
Instruments are made to create beautiful sound, while actors must express uniquely human characteristics using many different forms of expression. Expressions, both internal and external, are what Meisner technique actors work hard to develop and integrate into an "instrument" they can use as actors. The aspects of the actors instrument can be grouped into six general categories known as Sensory expression, Imagination, Intelligence, Physical expression, Empathy and emotion. 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.
Actors need to be aware of their unique physical nature and the physical nature of characters and not confuse the two. 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. 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.
Personality actors can be very successful, translating a personality they have developed into many characters over the course of their careers. Take a moment and you can probably think of several working actors in this category. 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. Many great actors have mastered going beyond that to layer onto that charismatic personality many physical characteristics that completely alter their movement, posture, arm gestures facial expressions--they literally become the character. Think of award winners Meryl Streep, Daniel Day Lewis or Johnny Depp.
There are actors who use their physicality to great effect, from Stallone and Schwarzenegger to Jim Carrey. These are just a few of the actors that have an ability to develop a strong and unique physical aspects to their characters. Actors who know how to move and express themselves physically in many different ways to create different characters has gone even deeper into their craft.
Expressing emotions physically is a complex thing and goes far beyond facial expression or developing a way of walking, for example. 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. The greatest actors use physical space and physical expression to enhance and express all other aspects of the instrument. The most versatile actors have worked hard to develop this. 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.
Instruments are made to create beautiful sound, while actors must express uniquely human characteristics using many different forms of expression. Expressions, both internal and external, are what Meisner technique actors work hard to develop and integrate into an "instrument" they can use as actors. The aspects of the actors instrument can be grouped into six general categories known as Sensory expression, Imagination, Intelligence, Physical expression, Empathy and emotion. 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.
Actors need to be aware of their unique physical nature and the physical nature of characters and not confuse the two. 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. 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.
Personality actors can be very successful, translating a personality they have developed into many characters over the course of their careers. Take a moment and you can probably think of several working actors in this category. 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. Many great actors have mastered going beyond that to layer onto that charismatic personality many physical characteristics that completely alter their movement, posture, arm gestures facial expressions--they literally become the character. Think of award winners Meryl Streep, Daniel Day Lewis or Johnny Depp.
There are actors who use their physicality to great effect, from Stallone and Schwarzenegger to Jim Carrey. These are just a few of the actors that have an ability to develop a strong and unique physical aspects to their characters. Actors who know how to move and express themselves physically in many different ways to create different characters has gone even deeper into their craft.
Expressing emotions physically is a complex thing and goes far beyond facial expression or developing a way of walking, for example. 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. The greatest actors use physical space and physical expression to enhance and express all other aspects of the instrument. The most versatile actors have worked hard to develop this. 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 technique at the studio website or read this article about emotional preparation.
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