1.1 Truth Acting: The Meisner Technique

1.1 Truthful Acting: The Meisner Technique 

Key Themes 

1. What do we mean by truthful Acting? 

2. What is the Meisner Technique and how does it teach us to act truthfully? 

3. How do we use repetition to practice emotional range, listen to our scene partners, and get out of our heads! 

Resources: 

What is the Meisner Technique: 

1. What is the Meisner Technique, Anthony Montes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELYWt_-IXRc

2. So you want to be an Actor, William Esper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_0d6qCW5jk

3. The Method Vs. Meisner Technique, Jim Jarrett: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mh15erOkQE

Exercises / Examples: 

1. Christoph Waltz, Demonstrates Single Line Repetition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA-xZCeJOzQ

2. Sam Rockwell, Does Meisner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfzYFYvWsGI

3. Advanced Meisner Technique: Emotional Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AANlV0I7uws

Online Class: 

What is the Meisner Technique: Free Class with Anthony Montes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU4QgsqaXCE&t=3s

Who is Sanford Meisner?

Sanford Meisner (1905–1997) was an influential American acting teacher and a founding member of the Group Theatre in New York City. He is best known for developing the Meisner Technique, a highly respected approach to actor training that emphasises emotional truth, spontaneity, and living truthfully under imaginary circumstances. Meisner's work has had a profound impact on modern acting and has been practiced by many successful actors.

History of the Meisner Technique

• 1930s: Meisner became a member of the Group Theatre, a collective of actors and directors dedicated to creating socially relevant plays using Konstantin Stanislavski's ideas.

• Disagreement with Method Acting: Meisner diverged from Lee Strasberg's interpretation of Stanislavski, which heavily focused on emotional memory. Meisner felt that this approach was too introspective and not conducive to live interaction.

• Development of the Technique: At the Neighbourhood Playhouse in New York, Meisner refined his approach, which focused on reacting truthfully to one's scene partner and fully engaging with the present moment.

The Meisner Technique in Practice

At its core, the Meisner Technique trains actors to "get out of their heads" and focus on the reality of the scene. Key principles include:

1. Repetition Exercise:

• Actors repeat simple phrases to each other (e.g., "You're wearing a red shirt").

• The exercise evolves as actors respond to shifts in tone, emotion, and behaviour, fostering genuine connection and spontaneity.

2. Emotional Preparation:

• Actors prepare emotionally before a scene to access a specific state or emotion required by the character.

3. Independent Activity:

• Actors engage in tasks that require focus and commitment, learning to balance the task with responding authentically to their scene partner.

4. Living Truthfully Under Imaginary Circumstances:

• Actors commit fully to the given circumstances of the script while maintaining authenticity and genuine responses.

The Meisner Technique is widely regarded for its emphasis on natural, instinctual, and emotionally connected performances. It fosters a dynamic interplay between actors, making scenes feel vibrant and alive.