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. Creative differences may find actors and directors at odds, but the actors are the instruments directors use somewhat like a conductor to tell a story. The vision of the writer and director cannot be realized unless talented actors are able to use their actors instrument and make that vision truthful and real. Actors who have worked hard to develop their actors instrument are the ones who most often enrich a story, by bringing complex, interesting characters to the vision.
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.” If broken down into definable aspects, the actors instrument involves the development of Imagination, Sensory expressions, Empathy, Intelligence, and Physical expression. 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.
Actors need to be aware of their unique physical nature and the physical nature of characters and not confuse the two. 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. Acting onstage requires a different movement technique and physical expressions than when you act for film. An actor needs to adjust for any situation and have a huge repertoire of physical expressions techniques memorized.
If you think about it, the world is full of actors who use a certain personality to create their roles, always using similar physical expressions to create characters. Give it some quick thought and a list of 10 or 15 actors who fall into this category will quickly come to mind. An actor can become extremely successful by learning how to create and channel a charismatic personality, by using both internal and external components 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. Think of award winners Meryl Streep, Daniel Day Lewis or Johnny Depp.
There are actors who use their physicality to great effect, from Stallone and Schwarzenegger to Jim Carrey. These are just a few of the actors that have an ability to develop a strong and unique physical aspects to their characters. Going one step deeper as an actor means learning how to alter how they move and express themselves truthfully in a physical way to portray character.
It is not simply a matter of walking differently or changing a facial expression to portray a feeling. 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. Physical space, physical expression must be mastered and then used to develop 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.
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides acting classes in NYC for serious actors. Find out more about meisner acting at the studio website or read this article about emotional preparation.