Before diving into the specific acting methods, it's important to understand what acting is, especially for those just starting. At its core, acting is the art of storytelling. An actor's job is to bring a character to life, making the audience believe in the world they're portraying. This involves understanding a character's motivations, emotions, and actions. For stunt actors, this is even more crucial as they must blend physical prowess with convincing portrayals. When we start to study acting it's very easy to feel overwhelmed. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the 'right way' to act, and the various methods and techniques can seem endless. Where do you start?! What's the right method or technique to use, when, and why?
We recommend you start by remembering these 2 simple pieces of advice:
Below we will delve into some of the most popular acting methods, developed by some of the most influential practitioners in theatre and film. From Stanislavski’s 'emotional memory' to Strasberg’s 'method acting', from Adler’s imaginative prowess to Meisner’s spontaneity, Chekhov’s physical expression, and Hagen’s practicality – we will explore these diverse styles together. Our goal here is to demystify these techniques, offering you practical exercises and guiding principles so you can to start experimenting and applying them in your acting practice. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all in acting. Each method offers unique tools and insights. Some are great for one person but not loved by another, so find what fits you! Stanislavski's System – The Foundation of Modern Acting Konstantin Stanislavski was a Russian theatre practitioner who revolutionised acting with his method focusing on emotional truth and psychological depth. His approach encourages actors to delve into their character's psychology and use personal experiences to bring authenticity to their performances. When to Use:
Stanislavski's System
3 Exercises using Stanislavski's System
Further Resources:
Lee Strasberg's Method – Embracing Emotional Memory Lee Strasberg took Stanislavski's ideas and developed 'Method Acting.' This method emphasises using personal memories to evoke genuine emotional responses. When to Use:
Lee Strasberg's Method
3 Exercises using Lee Strasberg's Method
Further Reading:
Stella Adler – Imagination and the World of the Play Stella Adler advocates using imagination over personal experience, emphasised understanding the text and the world of the play. Stella Adler's Technique
When to Use:
3 Exercises using Stella Adler's Technique
Further Reading:
Sanford Meisner – Living Truthfully Under Imaginary Circumstances Sanford Meisner focused on 'the reality of doing,' encouraging actors to react authentically to imaginary circumstances. When to Use:
Sanford Meisner's Technique
3 Exercises using Sanford Meisner's Technique
Further Reading:
Michael Chekhov – The Actor's Physicality and Imagination Michael Chekhov introduced a technique centred on physical actions and psychological gestures, emphasising the actor's imagination and physical expression. When to Use:
Michael Chekhov's Technique
3 Exercises Using Michael Chekhov's Technique
Further Reading:
Uta Hagen – Practicality and Believability Uta Hagen focused on practicality in acting, encouraging actors to find the truth in their roles through personal connection and realistic detail. When to Use:
Uta Hagen's Technique
3 Exercises Using Uta Hagen's Technique
Further Reading:
As Stunt Actors, we have the unique challenge of combining physical skill and precision techniques related to stunt performance, with believable acting that often portrays high stress scenarios. Mastering this is the pinnacle of our craft, and its why many actors cannot do stunts and traditionally stunt people didn't act. Understanding and applying these techniques can elevate your performance, making you not just a stunt performer but a true actor. Remember, acting is an art that requires continuous learning and practice. These methods are tools to help you build your craft. Further Resources to help you on your journey
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AuthorThis blog os co-authored by The ISA Team Archives
April 2024
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