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Emotional Expression Defines the Conflict and Need of a Character - Acting Classes in NYC
by LongmanSex on Friday, June 1, 2012
By studying the Meisner Technique, actors have a chance to explore the concept of the actors instrument. The instrument analogy can be helpful when breaking down all the various aspects that can determine how good an actor is. Audience members are quick to determine whether actors are portraying a new reality well enough to hold their attention. But, can we pinpoint what makes us feel that way? If this is the case, it is likely that the actors instrument is just not well developed.
There are six aspects to consider when looking at the actors instrument. The aspects of the instrument include sensory expression, emotional, empathy, intelligence and sensory and physical expression. These six aspects of the actors instrument are identified and developed when studying the Meisner Technique. If you run down the categories mentioned, anyone even slightly interested in acting should be able to name successful actors who have mastered several of these aspects of expression. It is the true legends, the icons of stage and screen, that have mastered all six.
For example, an actor like Stallone is known mainly for his physical expression and presence. Stallone is certainly able to express emotionally, but overall his most powerful tool onscreen is his physical expression. For Stallone, emotion is an internal process but it is reflected in a very physical way. Actors must focus and learn about all the aspects of the acting instrument, which will help them be diverse and capable of many types of roles.
Actors often focus mainly on emotional expression, thinking it to be the most important. How a character feels about something and delivering lines powered by that feeling is a very common practice for newer actors. One of the most important, but certainly not the only tool to master is the emotional expression aspect of the actors instrument. It's important to remember, however, that each of the six aspects of the instrument are related and must be developed and work together.
Meaning in a story is derived mainly from the emotional expression of its characters. It clues the audience in to what the character is about, the conflicts they face, what their deepest needs are. Meisner acting in nyc is very popular, and these actors work hard to develop an emotional composite of a character, which they in turn, figure out how to express using the other aspects of the instrument. In Meisner acting students study emotions diligently, their own and those of others. They work hard to create a foundation of human emotion and way of communicating based on real people and fictional characters. Specific characters can be created by delving very deep into the imagination and using the "library" of human behavior they have created. They create and live the emotional life that the character would live so that it is instilled in them and can be called upon at will.
Take as an example, vulnerability which is an expression of insecurity or perhaps innocence or even strength. There are many actors who, with hard work, can learn to differentiate and express this complex emotion. But, unless they have developed other aspects of their instrument, such as empathy or intelligence, the character will not be authentic. Vulnerability might be expressed by smashing a vase to pieces, or by simply sitting still and the challenge is to use ways appropriate to the character. This is a subjective, creative process.
The myth is that acting is simply pretending to have an emotion. Simply reciting inflections and gestures that express certain emotions is not acting. Sanford Meisner was often heard to say, "acting is DOING." In other words acting is being in the moment and allowing any number of emotional reactions well up and take you over and turn you into the actual character. Great acting is, moment by moment, opening up to the character and allowing them to take you places you may not have imagined. Great actors do not force themselves to cry. There are genuine emotions in their performances, often unpredictable ones that appear as they work as character. This process requires that an actor develop the capacity to create and feel true sensations, and then express that through all channels of their instrument. As an actor you must give yourself permission to feel fully and live truthfully, whether you are in character or not.
There are six aspects to consider when looking at the actors instrument. The aspects of the instrument include sensory expression, emotional, empathy, intelligence and sensory and physical expression. These six aspects of the actors instrument are identified and developed when studying the Meisner Technique. If you run down the categories mentioned, anyone even slightly interested in acting should be able to name successful actors who have mastered several of these aspects of expression. It is the true legends, the icons of stage and screen, that have mastered all six.
For example, an actor like Stallone is known mainly for his physical expression and presence. Stallone is certainly able to express emotionally, but overall his most powerful tool onscreen is his physical expression. For Stallone, emotion is an internal process but it is reflected in a very physical way. Actors must focus and learn about all the aspects of the acting instrument, which will help them be diverse and capable of many types of roles.
Actors often focus mainly on emotional expression, thinking it to be the most important. How a character feels about something and delivering lines powered by that feeling is a very common practice for newer actors. One of the most important, but certainly not the only tool to master is the emotional expression aspect of the actors instrument. It's important to remember, however, that each of the six aspects of the instrument are related and must be developed and work together.
Meaning in a story is derived mainly from the emotional expression of its characters. It clues the audience in to what the character is about, the conflicts they face, what their deepest needs are. Meisner acting in nyc is very popular, and these actors work hard to develop an emotional composite of a character, which they in turn, figure out how to express using the other aspects of the instrument. In Meisner acting students study emotions diligently, their own and those of others. They work hard to create a foundation of human emotion and way of communicating based on real people and fictional characters. Specific characters can be created by delving very deep into the imagination and using the "library" of human behavior they have created. They create and live the emotional life that the character would live so that it is instilled in them and can be called upon at will.
Take as an example, vulnerability which is an expression of insecurity or perhaps innocence or even strength. There are many actors who, with hard work, can learn to differentiate and express this complex emotion. But, unless they have developed other aspects of their instrument, such as empathy or intelligence, the character will not be authentic. Vulnerability might be expressed by smashing a vase to pieces, or by simply sitting still and the challenge is to use ways appropriate to the character. This is a subjective, creative process.
The myth is that acting is simply pretending to have an emotion. Simply reciting inflections and gestures that express certain emotions is not acting. Sanford Meisner was often heard to say, "acting is DOING." In other words acting is being in the moment and allowing any number of emotional reactions well up and take you over and turn you into the actual character. Great acting is, moment by moment, opening up to the character and allowing them to take you places you may not have imagined. Great actors do not force themselves to cry. There are genuine emotions in their performances, often unpredictable ones that appear as they work as character. This process requires that an actor develop the capacity to create and feel true sensations, and then express that through all channels of their instrument. As an actor you must give yourself permission to feel fully and live truthfully, whether you are in character or not.
About the Author:
The Maggie Flanigan Studio provides training for serious actors committed to improving their craft. Find out more about meisner acting in nyc by reading this article about acting instrument by visiting the studio website.
