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 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. 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. Internal and external expressions are necessary, and actors that study the Meisner technique know how to integrate them all in a fascinating way to create their “instrument.” 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. Physical expression and habits of physical movement is an aspect of acting that Meisner acting in nyc looks to examine and use to create character. Theatre requires a different movement technique than physical expression for film. An actor needs to adjust for any situation and have a huge repertoire of physical expressions techniques memorized.
Of course, personality actors can become top actors who are hired again and again, even though they express themselves physically in similar ways for every role. Give it some quick thought and a list of 10 or 15 actors who fall into this category will quickly come to mind. Certainly, a charismatic personality is an extremely important aspect of the actors instrument, whether it is external, internal or both. 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. A list that would include Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep or Daniel Day Lewis.
There are actors who use their physicality to great effect, from Stallone and Schwarzenegger to Jim Carrey. Actors that have an ability to develop and project strong physical characteristics to express character can handle any role. 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. This is the art of existing in a completely altered reality, an imaginary physical world, and expressing physical aspects of a character even when standing still. 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. Working hard to develop strong physical abilities will make you more timeless as an actor and 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. 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.
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 acting instrument.