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 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. 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. 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. 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.
Physical expression is extremely important and controlling that and using the physical space around them well is also key to great performances. 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. 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. 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. Great actors have the ability to use physical expression to completely alter their appearance by using facial, and body movement. The list of actors that have mastered this would include Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Daniel Day Lewis, just to name a few.
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.
Expressing emotions physically is a complex thing and goes far beyond facial expression or developing a way of walking, for example. The art of becoming a character in a physical way is an incredible challenge, but it also means existing in a physical way in a newly created physical space. The greatest actors use physical space and physical expression to enhance and express all other aspects of the instrument. The most versatile actors have worked hard to develop this. 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 at the studio website or read this article about emotional preparation.