How To Master Method Acting
So you want to learn Method acting? Method acting is probably the most famous acting technique being used today. It has launched the stellar careers of actors such as James Dean, Marlon Brando, Rod Steiger, Dustin Hoffman, Robert De Niro, and of course, Al Pacino. Ready for your close up? Here's what you need to know about the Method:
What is it?
Method acting is a particular acting technique based on the teachings of Konstantin Stanivslaski which encourages actors to use their own emotions and experiences and replicate them into the performance. This results in real, life-like acting, with an actor being able to create a character that resonates with genuine feelings and emotions.
While Method acting was pioneered by Stanivslaski, who
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taught similar ideas, it was made famous by Lee Strasberg, who taught in New York City's The Actors Studio in the 40s and 50s. The difference between what Stanivslaski taught and the technique popularized by Strasberg is that the Stanivslaski System urges the actor to analyze his character's emotions and motivations in order to be able to portray him with realism. With Strasberg, whose technique is what we now refer to as The Method, the actor uses his own emotions and experiences and identifies them with his character.
How difficult is it to learn?
There are many people who consider Method acting difficult to teach and learn. This is probably because there is no single method in existence. Even Stanislavski made changes in his system, some of which were quite dramatic.
In general, Method acting is just a combination of determining the character's psychological motives and how an actor identifies with that character. This combination results in a reproduction of the character's state of emotions in a very genuine way.
What you can expect from Method acting
If you attend an acting class that teaches the Method, there are several things you can expect to learn and experience. One is that you will be working with a coach that may be using a different version of Method acting, so be prepared to learn certain practices and ideologies. You can also expect a lot of character surmising that will require sensitivity and emotional openness on your part. Expect to learn how not to act, but how to become.
Where to get Method acting
Method acting and similar techniques are taught all over the world in acting schools. The more famous ones include the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and the Actors Studio Drama School.
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