A brief introduction to 'acting techniques'

While The ISA specialises in training Stunt Performers and Action Actors, we always recommend some general study and classes to improve the craft and learn the history, foundations and origins of the most common acting techniques. It's also why our Diploma course starts with the basics. Each has a long history and a purpose. Versatile actors will arm themselves with many different methods and techniques to ensure they can deliver the best possible performance.

Acting is a form of art that has been practiced since ancient times. It involves the portrayal of characters and emotions through the use of physical and verbal expression. Over the years, various acting techniques have emerged, each with its own unique approach to the craft of acting. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular acting techniques, their origins, and the benefits and weaknesses of each.

1. Stanislavski Method, also known as ‘Method Acting’
   The Stanislavski Method, also known as the Method or Method Acting, is perhaps the most well-known acting technique. Developed by the Russian actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski in the late 19th century, this technique emphasizes the use of emotional memory to create a realistic and natural performance. Actors using this method draw on their own experiences and emotions to create a deep understanding of their characters, allowing them to connect with the audience on a visceral level.
   
   The benefit of the Stanislavski Method is that it can produce highly nuanced and emotionally rich performances. However, its emphasis on emotional memory can be difficult for some actors, who may find it challenging to recall the necessary emotions on cue.
   
   Marlon Brando is considered one of the most prominent actors who used the Stanislavski Method. His performances in movies such as "On the Waterfront" and "A Streetcar Named Desire" are known for their naturalistic and emotionally rich portrayal of characters.
   
   To practice the Stanislavski Method, actors can start by creating a character biography that includes information about the character's background, motivations, and desires. They can then use this information to connect with the emotions of the character and create a deep understanding of their inner life. Actors can also practice using emotional memory by recalling personal experiences that can help them to connect with the emotions of the character they are playing.
   
   
2. Meisner Technique
   The Meisner Technique was developed by American actor and teacher Sanford Meisner in the mid-20th century. This technique emphasizes the importance of listening and responding in the moment, rather than relying on pre-planned actions or emotions. Actors using this technique learn to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances, creating a highly spontaneous and dynamic performance.
   
   The benefit of the Meisner Technique is that it encourages actors to be fully present in the moment, creating performances that are highly responsive to the circumstances of the scene. However, it can be challenging for some actors, who may struggle with the intense focus and concentration required to execute the technique effectively.
   
   Jeff Goldblum is an actor known for his use of the Meisner Technique. His performances in movies such as "The Big Chill" and "Jurassic Park" are known for their spontaneity and responsiveness to the circumstances of the scene.
   
   To practice the Meisner Technique, actors can start by practicing repetition exercises with a partner. In these exercises, actors repeat a phrase or action back and forth with their partner, focusing on listening and responding in the moment. Actors can also practice improvisation exercises that allow them to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances and develop their ability to be fully present in the moment.
   
   
3. Classical Acting
   Classical Acting refers to the performance styles used in classical theater, such as Shakespearean plays. This technique emphasizes the use of heightened language and physical expression to create larger-than-life characters and emotions. Actors using this technique learn to navigate the complexities of classical language and style, creating performances that are both grand and deeply moving.
   
   The benefit of Classical Acting is that it can produce highly polished and impressive performances, particularly in the context of classical theater. However, its focus on stylized language and expression can make it challenging for some actors, who may struggle to connect with modern audiences.
   
   Meryl Streep is an actor known for her mastery of classical acting. Her performances in movies such as "The French Lieutenant's Woman" and "Doubt" are known for their nuanced and sophisticated use of classical language and expression.
   
   To practice classical acting, actors can start by studying the language and style of classical theater. They can practice performing monologues and scenes from classical plays, focusing on the use of heightened language and physical expression to create larger-than-life characters and emotions. Actors can also study the historical and cultural context of the plays they are performing to develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues presented in the plays.
   
   
4. Viewpoints
   The Viewpoints technique was developed by American choreographer and director Mary Overlie in the 1970s. This technique emphasizes the use of space and movement to create a performance that is highly physical and dynamic. Actors using this technique learn to explore the different dimensions of space and time, creating performances that are both visually stunning and emotionally impactful.
   
   The benefit of the Viewpoints technique is that it allows actors to create performances that are highly engaging and visually interesting. However, its emphasis on physical expression can be challenging for some actors, who may struggle with the demands of movement and spatial awareness.
   
   The dance sequences in the movie "West Side Story" are a great example of the Viewpoints technique in action. The use of space and movement in these sequences creates a visually stunning and emotionally impactful performance.
   
   To practice the Viewpoints technique, actors can start by practicing improvisation exercises that focus on movement and spatial awareness. They can also practice using the different dimensions of space and time to create visually interesting and emotionally impactful performances. Actors can also study dance and movement techniques to develop their physical expressiveness.
   
   
5. Brechtian Technique
   The Brechtian Technique, named after the German playwright Bertolt Brecht, emphasizes the use of alienation techniques to create a performance that is highly political and socially conscious. Actors using this technique learn to create characters that are deliberately exaggerated and theatrical, creating a sense of distance between the audience and the performance. This technique aims to encourage the audience to think critically about the issues presented in the performance.
   
   The benefit of the Brechtian Technique is that it can create performances that are both thought-provoking and entertaining, particularly in the context of politically charged theater. However, its emphasis on distancing techniques can be challenging for some actors, who may struggle to create performances that are both engaging and politically conscious.
   
   The movie "The Threepenny Opera" is a great example of the Brechtian Technique in action. The deliberately exaggerated and theatrical performances of the actors create a sense of distance between the audience and the performance, encouraging the audience to think critically about the social and political issues presented in the movie.
   
   To practice the Brechtian Technique, actors can start by studying the works of Bertolt Brecht and other politically engaged playwrights. They can practice creating exaggerated and theatrical performances that create a sense of distance between the audience and the performance. Actors can also study the historical and cultural context of the plays they are performing to develop a deeper understanding of the social and political issues presented in the plays.

In summary, there are several acting techniques that actors can use to create nuanced and emotionally rich performances. Each technique has its own unique approach to the craft of acting, and actors can choose the technique that best suits their style and interests.

The Stanislavski Method emphasizes the use of emotional memory to create realistic and natural performances, while the Meisner Technique emphasizes listening and responding in the moment. Classical Acting focuses on the use of heightened language and physical expression to create larger-than-life characters, while the Viewpoints technique emphasizes the use of space and movement to create visually stunning and emotionally impactful performances. Finally, the Brechtian Technique emphasizes the use of distancing techniques to create thought-provoking and politically conscious performances.

To learn more about these techniques, actors can study the works of influential acting teachers and practitioners, such as Konstantin Stanislavski, Sanford Meisner, and Bertolt Brecht. They can also practice the techniques through exercises and improvisation, and seek feedback and guidance from experienced actors and directors.

Further reading:

• "An Actor Prepares" by Konstantin Stanislavski
• "Sanford Meisner on Acting" by Sanford Meisner
• "Theatre of the Oppressed" by Augusto Boal
• "The Viewpoints Book" by Anne Bogart and Tina Landau
• "The Brecht Sourcebook" edited by Carol Martin