How useful did you find the Meisner technique?

[rc444]

Hi there,

as part of my actor training, I studied Meisner, amongst other theorists. I had a question for people who have studied Meisner at some point.

What interested me most about my Meisner training was the intense focus on the scene partner. The ensuing repetition exercises were fun and had an almost manic quality or intensity about them. It was fun because the technique got me thinking on my toes, but sometimes I felt Meisner was less good at acknowledging your own cognitions and the wider bits of the scenes, like what was going on outside your scene partner. It almost felt like there was too emphasis or fixation on your scene partner. Sure, reacting is a fundamental part of acting, but I'm sure there are other theories outside that / outside the Meisner experience.

Did anyone encounter the same problem I did with Meisner?

David

 

[bill totolo]

I'm not an actor but I've taken classes and studied Meisner. I found it a great way to be more in tune with what's going on with people around me.

As a director it's a great way to warm up actors before a scene.

 

[Knoxworth]

My friends tell me about Meisner. I get it. But I don't need it, as far as a weekly place to go and repeat myself in somebody else's face.

Meisner and improv are similar in some respects. I DO take improv on a weekly basis. Some of our exercises are Meisner exercises. If you can find an improv teacher who understands Meisner, you'll be good to go.

I think in most cases, repeating yourself will heighten commitment. You'll find the right delivery of a line. But that's assuming that you weren't already inspired in the first place. I'm afraid I don't follow you when you say "outside your scene partner". I guess you mean stuff like "the car explodes" and "bang! a gun is shot!"... but your scene partner is really all there is. If you don't recognize this then I'd guess that you aren't connecting with your partner to begin with. Remember: you're each inspiring each other to create a believable scene.

You don't need to look elsewhere for the scene. Stage actions are mostly texture, they are meaningless unless you filter your actions THROUGH your character's point of view. And that POV depends largely on your scene partner and your relationship to him/her. This includes being a stoic badass who doesn't recognize another person is in the room. Right?