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.
Making beautiful sounds is the instrument’s created purpose, while actors use not only sound but physical characteristics and other very subtle forms of expression that are uniquely human. Expressions, both internal and external, are what Meisner technique actors work hard to develop and integrate into an “instrument” they can use as actors. The aspects of the actors instrument can be grouped into six general categories known as Sensory expression, Imagination, Intelligence, Physical expression, Empathy and emotion. 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. By working on them all, and using them to create fascinating characters and powerful performances, the best actors have creating lasting impressions.
Actors need to be aware of their unique physical nature and the physical nature of characters and not confuse the two. Meisner acting in nyc helps actors to fully explore their habits of physical expression and movement, and how that differs from that of a character and how that can be used to improve your versatility in any performance setting. Movements onstage in a theatre piece are very different than movements that are right for the camera. As an actor you must have studied physical expressions in depth to be able to adjust for new situations and roles.
Personality actors can be very successful, translating a personality they have developed into many characters over the course of their careers. Take a moment and you can probably think of several working actors in this category. Developing a charismatic personality, one that intrigues an audience is an important aspect of the instrument. There are many legendary actors who use physical expression as an art form to literally create a fictional, yet very real person. Think of award winners Meryl Streep, Daniel Day Lewis or Johnny Depp.
Many actors in the history of stage and film have been strong physical actors, such as Stallone, John Wayne and Arnold Schwarzenegger. These are just a few of the actors that have an ability to develop a strong and unique physical aspects to their characters. 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.
This is not to say that tricks like limping or changing a facial expression to show a mood is all that is required. You must inhabit the created physical world of the production in a physical way that is truthful and be able to do it before there are physical crutches like sets, props, costumes and make up. 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. There are charismatic actors in abundance but, over the long haul it may not be enough to keep you working. 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 memory.