Calling All Actors - Techniques/ Teachers

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 8/3/06 at 11:13am

I was just wondering, for those of you who have studied acting, either in college, or at an acting studio, or a conservatory, what acting technique were you taught? Is this technique helpful for you? What do you like about it? I'm especially interested in those of you who have studied any of these teachers: Strasberg, Adler, Meisner, Chekhov, or Davis Mamet, but I would love to hear from anyone. I would be greatful if you could specify if you were trained for straight theatre of musical theatre. Thanks everyone!

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 8/3/06 at 11:23am

I love Meisner. I don't know why. It just makes sense, to actually do on stage instead of pretending. It's very helpful to me. I've learned to not come out on stage empty. I can't really explain it, it just works for me. I've been taught the Meisner Technique in both straight acting classes and musical theatre classes.

[Pippin]

Posted: 8/3/06 at 11:24am

I took two years of Meisner and loved it. I thought it helped me very much. the great thing about my school is that all the MT's and the straight theatre majors took the same acting classes together, so the MT's were never looked down upon acting wise (well, they were sometimes by certain teachers, but that is another story)

anywho, Meisner is very difficult to get a grasp of, but is a wonderful technique. I like it because it is healthier for the actor. by that, I mean that an actor under other techniques is always suffering and killing themselves everyday with emotional and mental torment. Meisner is all about the imagination, and once the scene is done, you snap out of it. it doesn't mean you are any less involved in the show, you are just "acting truthfully given the imaginary circumstances".

Meisner is based on repitition and interpretation of what you are getting from your partner. it is not about you. it is about how what your partner does to affect you and how you react to him.

also, as a musical theatre actor, I think that meisner is wonderful because the technique is about being grounded in truth. and in a musical, where nothing is real, and many things are at times exaggerated, Meisner helps me stay focused, truthful, and real in the role that I am playing.

I am a fan of Meisner's technique, but it is really what is right for you, and I don't think you need to eat, breathe, live, Meisner. choose the technique, or techniques that are right for you, becuase with techniques, while they are different, all roads lead to roam, meaning that they all will help you "live truthfully under imaginary circumstances"

pm me if you want further info.

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 8/3/06 at 11:40am

Just for the record I loooove Meisner as well, and it's great to hear why others do as well. Meisner has helped get me out of my head.

[aspiringactress]

Posted: 8/3/06 at 2:53pm

Bumpity bump bump.

Anybody?