What is the difference between the Meisner Technique and the Method Technique?
Acting is a craft that requires not only talent but also technique. Among the different approaches to acting, the Meisner technique and the method technique are two of the most popular and widely used methods. Both techniques have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and understanding the differences between the two can help actors decide which approach is best suited for them.
The Meisner technique was developed by Sanford Meisner, a renowned American actor and acting teacher. The technique is based on the idea of "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances." According to Meisner, acting is not about pretending or faking emotions, but rather about reacting truthfully to the given circumstances of the scene. The technique is built on a series of exercises and improvisations designed to help actors develop their listening and responding skills, and to help them connect with their emotions in a truthful and spontaneous way.
The method technique, on the other hand, was developed by Constantin Stanislavski, a Russian actor and director. The technique, also known as the Stanislavski system, is based on the idea of "emotional memory" and the use of personal experiences to create believable and authentic performances. Actors using the method technique are encouraged to draw on their own emotions and memories to create a sense of truth and authenticity in their performances.
One of the key differences between the Meisner technique and the method technique is the emphasis on emotional preparation. While the Meisner technique focuses on listening and responding to the given circumstances of the scene, the method technique encourages actors to use their own experiences and emotions as a basis for their performances. This can be both a strength and a weakness, as it can lead to deeply authentic performances, but can also lead to actors becoming too emotionally invested in their roles.
Another difference between the two techniques is the role of improvisation. The Meisner technique places a strong emphasis on improvisation and spontaneity, with exercises designed to help actors develop their ability to respond truthfully in the moment. The method technique, on the other hand, tends to rely more on pre-scripted emotional memory exercises and less on improvisation.
Finally, the Meisner technique tends to place a greater emphasis on the physicality of the performance, with exercises designed to help actors develop their physical awareness and expressiveness. The method technique, by contrast, places more emphasis on the psychological aspects of the character and their emotional journey.
In conclusion, the Meisner technique and the method technique are two of the most popular and widely used approaches to acting. While both techniques have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, the choice between the two ultimately depends on the individual actor and their personal preferences and goals. Some actors may find the Meisner technique's emphasis on improvisation and physicality more appealing, while others may be drawn to the method technique's focus on emotional memory and authenticity. Ultimately, the best technique is the one that allows an actor to connect with their character and give a truly authentic and memorable performance.
5 Reasons Every Actor Should Try The Meisner Technique
Sanford Meisner created the Meisner technique after his time at the Group Theatre (alumni includes: Elia Kazan, Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, Francis Farmer, John Garfield and many others). In essence, Meisner's approach could be described as "the reality of doing", though there's so much more to it that deserves a future post of its own. Beyond the commonly known repetition exercise, the Meisner technique can teach you how to be truly vulnerable and open in your acting as well as your everyday life.
Based on my experience with the technique, here are a few reasons why:
1 - You will be more vulnerable in your personal life as a result
I found myself opening up to family and friends more often, being honest with who I am as a person and my emotions. And no longer ignoring feelings I had that made me uncomfortable. We're given a spectrum of feelings for a reason, bottling certain ones up or ignoring them is bad for us on many levels.
2 - You will feel genuinely connected to your scene partner(s) and likely more connected to other people
Instead of putting a character on top of who you are, you will feel genuinely connected to the other human being working with you. That's because you will be 100% connected, and everything will feel real because it is during the exercise. You will learn to fully connect with people in the scene and only behave honestly. And it all starts with a straightforward thing, eye contact.
3 - It will take you out of your comfort zone, and this is a good thing
By virtue of how it works, you'll go to uncomfortable places that you don't allow yourself to explore in everyday life. It can take some time to get used to, but once you accept it and fully immerse yourself in the moment, you will grow in ways you didn't know were possible. Trust me.
4 - You will act on instinct and emotion
The Meisner technique teaches you to think less and react more. Sanford Meisner believed that you should 'Act before you think – your instincts are more honest than your thoughts.'
5 - You will learn to improvise
One of the beautiful things about learning the technique is that because you're fully in the moment, you only ever respond to what is happening at the time. Given some practice, you'll eventually be comfortable improvising, as in many ways the work is entirely improvised. You may be given a scenario or asked to create one yourself, and then you'll enter the room and whatever happens, happens. As my teacher used to say “You'll be a feather in the wind, you the feather and your partner the wind.”
I studied at The Actors Temple in London, and would highly recommend Jo Romero or Simon Furness. Both of them are extraordinary teachers.