Those actors interested in the Meisner acting technique may have heard of the actors instrument. 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. Directors and actors may sometimes see things differently and while the director is the conductor, actors are the most important instruments used to tell the 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. Expressions, both internal and external, are what Meisner technique actors work hard to develop and integrate into an “instrument” they can use as actors. If broken down into definable aspects, the actors instrument involves the development of Imagination, Sensory expressions, Empathy, Intelligence, and Physical expression. These aspects of the instrument all need to be assessed and developed by an actor if they are to master at the craft. By working on them all, and using them to create fascinating characters and powerful performances, the best actors have creating lasting impressions.
Every actor has their own unique physical way of expressing themselves and an awareness of the physical space around them. 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. As an actor you must have studied physical expressions in depth to be able to adjust for new situations and roles.
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. There are easily ten or fifteen actors who fall into this category that you can list without thinking too hard. 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. 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.
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. 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. The greatest actors use physical space and physical expression to enhance and express 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 emotional memory.