As a performer, you probably hear about the different acting styles or techniques that artists like to use. Actors use their style of choice because they believe it allows them to be the best performer they can be. While not all actors are necessarily trained to use a certain style or technique, you might find that many successful actors have had extensive training and often you will see similar techniques used by actors that have taken similar training. Maybe you are ready to have a more defined approach to your artistry and see where it takes you. Here are a few of the popular acting techniques with some examples of the actors that use those techniques to become the actors they are today. It just might be worth exploring different styles to see if it can help you become the actor you want to be.
Many of the modern techniques have come from the Stanislavski Technique, a theater practice created by Konstantin Stanislavski, a Russian actor born in 1863. His training system incorporated various techniques that allow actors to create the character they play. The actor learns as much as possible about the character being played and allows them to understand what the character might do in certain situations. [1]
From Stanislavski, Lee Strasberg, “the Father of method acting in America” was created and taught through his work at the Actors Studio and Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Within this approach, the performer is required to go one step further and use their personal emotional experiences to connect and become their character. Hello, method actors. Jack Nicholson, Christian Bale, Scarlett Johansson, Sylvester Stallone and Angelina Jolie are performers who have favored Strasberg’s method.[2]
Robert Duvall, Gregory Peck, and Diane Keaton are fans of The Meisner Technique. It is based more around the actors’ instincts and the environment and responding to the scene partner. Repetition is a famous exercise used which breaks down a structured approach and instead builds openness and flexibility to make the performer a better listener and more comfortable because of the more organic approach.
There are many more techniques to dive into, but it is worth talking about a technique that focuses a bit more on the actor and not specifically the character; Practical Aesthetics. This approach was developed by playwright David Mamet and actor William H. Macy. Actors such as Jessica Alba, Rose Byrne and Camryn Manheim are alumni of New York’s Atlantic Acting School. It focuses on four steps; what is happening in the scene, what are the desires of the characters, what actions do the characters perform from it and finally how does this relate to the actors’ own life. [3]
Maybe some of you are looking into what style or technique speaks to you as an actor? Maybe you’re considering a school or college to help you dig deep into the craft that you’re interested in. I’m sure as a professional actor you must have also learned your craft somewhere. So, tell me, what’s your acting style? How does it help you? Comment below!
[1] Information researched from https://www.city-academy.com/news/what-is-stanislavski-technique/
[2] Information researched from http://www.onlocationeducation.com/blog/2018/1/3/acting-styles-strasberg
[3] Information researched from https://www.academia.edu/346015/Living_Truthfully_David_Mamets_Practical_Aesthetics