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.
Podcasts I Like: Smartless
This is great! Possibly the best podcast created during the pandemic? Start with the Bryan Cranston episode below, you will not be disappointed.
An interview with Simon Furness
Who are you and what are your passionate about?
I'm an actor and an acting teacher. Craft excites me; human injustice saddens me.
How has your pandemic been?
I've had moments of numb immobility, feverish activity and lately, more stillness. I have discovered you have to work at the latter.
How would you describe what you do at a dinner party?
I don’t go to dinner parties.
How did you first discover acting?
At school, as a refuge from shame, sadness and certain kinds of team sports.
What misconceptions do you hear about your industry or area of expertise?
That acting and teaching it are forms of therapy. Though their effects are therapeutic, that's not the intention. Teaching a craft enables someone to uncover and pursue their own standards of excellence.
You're able to watch one single movie or TV show that you love again, as if for the first time, what do you pick?
Brief Encounter.
How do you define success?
Doing something you love for a few hours, then resting.
Is there a particular book you find yourself recommending? Or one that you gift most often?
The Leopard by Lampedusa.
What’s the best purchase you've made in the past year?
A webcam.
If you could tell your younger self one piece of advice what would it be?
'Every little thing's gonna be alright'.
And, what’s the best piece of advice someone ever gave you?
Don’t lead a trivial life. My old acting teacher, Tom Radcliffe, told me that.
What is an unusual habit that you have?
I try and learn 5 lines of blank verse every day.
Are there any recent projects you'd like to mention?
I keep thinking up ways of meeting people who share my love of Chekhov and in particular his play Uncle Vanya. I worked recently on some scenes from it and the sessions were filmed: all quite unexpectedly beautiful.
Where can people find you?
An interview with Cara Chute Rosenbaum, CSA
Who are you, and what are your passions?
I am Cara Chute Rosenbaum, CSA. I am passionate about motherhood, equality and social justice, casting, actors, tacos, and dancing. Pretty much in that order...
How did you first discover casting?
My roots are as an actor. It was something I loved and did through college, but wasn’t sure was a career path I wanted to pursue. I think to be an actor, and to be a successful actor, you truly can’t want anything else. I got an internship in a casting office through grad school knowing literally nothing about it, and I’ve been doing it ever since! Everything clicked for me by being able to do this work and use my actor brain and creative brain, but be on this side of it. Also I don’t miss acting at all. Like AT ALL. Which is how I know I wasn’t meant for it.
Can you describe what a typical workday looks like for you?
What’s a typical day anymore??? But also there is no typical day in casting. Which I think is why I love it. It all depends on the status of the project we are on, whether it’s releasing breakdowns, going through submissions, having auditions, watching self-tapes, checking avails, putting together lists, communicating with our creative team, negotiating deals, doing paperwork — sometimes literally all those things at the same time!
What misconceptions do you hear far too often about casting and the industry?
Actors are afraid of Casting Directors. They feel like their fate is in our hands and that we are these scary, unconcerned, apathetic monsters. I hate this idea of the CD being on their phone, not caring, not even looking up. (I’m not saying this never happens - but the CDs I know and love and respect are not at all like this) Yes, we are gatekeepers, but we want you to succeed! We are in this position and this business because we love actors. Keep that in mind when you walk into an audition or set up for your self tape. You’re creative for someone who WANTS to view your work and WANTS to hire you!
What’s the best piece of advice someone ever gave you?
You can’t pour from an empty cup. This really had new meaning for me when I became a mother. When you are trying to make sure everyone is taken care of, that everyone’s needs are met, that all the tasks are complete, that everyone is comfortable... you often forget to take care of yourself. The more you take care of yourself and feel good about what’s happening with your own body mind and spirit, then the easier it will be to take care of all the other things. When your cup overflows, everyone benefits!
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?
I think you learn best from being thrown into the deep end. I’m not sure if I have a favorite failure, but I definitely try to learn from all of them. Buuuuuut also I am a perfectionist and I want everything to be right, so there’s a good chance I will obsess about all failures big and small at 3am for the next 87 years.
Is there a particular book you find yourself recommending?
I have a 2-year-old so here are my current favorite kiddo books: Sulwe, Penny Meets POTUS, Anti-Racist Baby, Rosie Revere Engineer, Tango Makes Three, Knuffle Bunny, and A is for Audra.
Who’s the most interesting person you know?
All people are interesting if you ask the right questions!
What’s the best purchase you've made in the last year?
Reusable silicon bags from Net Zero Co. We stopped buying disposable ziploc and plastic bags and it’s been a game changer. It requires a bit more thought, but it SHOULD! Especially in this pandemic where single use plastic is becoming such a problem. This feels like a really preachy response to this question when you probably wanted me to say something fun, but I’m really trying so hard to be more earth conscious and the only other things I’ve bought this year have pretty much been sweatpants and groceries. (If anyone has a great substitute for paper towels please let me know I’m still trying to find one!)
If you could tell your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy the journey. Don’t be in such a rush to get to the finish line.
What is an unusual habit that you have?
I literally cannot remember to turn off the oven. I’m aware this is insanely dangerous, and luckily I have a very patient partner who knows to always double check me.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do?
I have to move my body. Whether it’s go for a walk or dance or stretch, when I feel overwhelmed and stuck I ALWAYS feel better if I can get my blood flowing. If I can physically move the anxiety out of my body I can come back to whatever I was doing with a much clearer headspace.
Where can people find you? Are there any recent projects you'd like to mention?
Twitter/IG: @ccrcasting
Facebook: Facebook.com/ccrcasting
Website: ccrcasting.com
Recent projects include talking endlessly about voting and registering people to vote. Please talk to the people in your life and make sure they are registered to vote as well, and help them make a PLAN for voting this November. If you are not registered to vote and have questions about it, please get in touch with me at any of the aforementioned places and I would love to talk to you without shame or guilt about why I think it’s so important and how to make you feel inspired and empowered to get involved in this important election.
Podcasts I like: Off Camera with Sam Jones
If you’re an actor and you’re unfamiliar with the Sam Jones Off Camera series I’d highly recommend you check it out. It exists as a podcast as well as on TV and can be streamed online. Sam has a natural way of getting actors to open up, often discussing their process, things they’ve learned on set and fears they all have. It’s fascinating, I always seem to pick one nugget of wisdom from each episode.
Some of my favourite episodes include: Robert Downey, Jr., Kathryn Hahn, Carey Mulligan, Elizabeth Moss, Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniel Radcliffe and Rosamund Pike.