TEST REVIEW: Stella Adler and Meisner Techniques

Stella Adler:

 “You are going to learn to express yourself in size.”

 “The actor's job is to defictionalize the fiction.”

 Relaxation comes from your recognition of the truthfulness of the circumstances.

 “Words do not make the play. If you first go into the words, you will not be a modern actor – just a bad one. “

 “If you really act, the joy is in the doing of it.”

 Build the larger circumstance

ACTIONS: The 4 Steps

1. Action is something you do. 2. Action has an end. 3. Action is done in circumstances.

4. Action is justified.  Physicalizing (doing something physical) – is always the answer to an actor being unburdened.

 Justification - the reason for action.

Meisner: “Acting is the only art form, that at its’ finest, is completely invisible.”

Repetition is the foundation of the Meisner Technique. Here’s why:

1. It heightens awareness of your partner.

2. It emphasizes LISTENING.

3. It inspires organic responses.

4. It illuminates moments when we are not being truthful.

Basic Rules of Repetition:

a. Don’t allow any pauses.

b. Don’t ask any questions. (Those lead to telling a story which puts you in your head!)

c. Don’t start with “I” – place the observation on your partner.

Have whatever experience you may have (laughter, boredom) and continue to stay in repetition

“Pinch and the Ouch” - acknowledge change in your partner’s behavior

“Let the other person happen to you.”- Maggie Flannagan “The life of your acting depends on your ability to be available to and in response to everything that is actually happening as it’s happening.”- Sandy Meisner

“Humans are in a state of constant adjustment. Actors are the only humans who aren’t!”- Larry Silverburg