Those actors interested in the Meisner acting technique may have heard of 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 job actors have is that of vision casting, taking the ideas and vision of the writer and director and making it into something believable and real using their actors instrument. It's good for directors to remain open to the actors instrument and be aware of allowing the special nuances an actor brings to the vision to enrich the 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. 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. Some of the most successful, award winning actors have mastered all six of these forms of expression.
Every actor has their own unique physical way of expressing themselves and an awareness of the physical space around them. 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. Developing a charismatic personality, one that intrigues an audience is an important aspect 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. The list of actors that have mastered this would include Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Daniel Day Lewis, just to name a few.
Many actors in the history of stage and film have been strong physical actors, such as Stallone, John Wayne and Arnold Schwarzenegger. 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. 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. 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. Actors who can develop strong physical abilities are also 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. 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.
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. 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. Some of the most successful, award winning actors have mastered all six of these forms of expression.
Every actor has their own unique physical way of expressing themselves and an awareness of the physical space around them. 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. Developing a charismatic personality, one that intrigues an audience is an important aspect 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. The list of actors that have mastered this would include Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Daniel Day Lewis, just to name a few.
Many actors in the history of stage and film have been strong physical actors, such as Stallone, John Wayne and Arnold Schwarzenegger. 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. 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. 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. Actors who can develop strong physical abilities are also 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. 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 acting nyc at the studio website or read this article about emotional preparation.
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